THURSDAYMarch 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 feelthat Vanity

Fair columnistDame Edna’scommentswere unfairand racist ?

CAMPUS

■ 11th AnnualAid FairThe 11th AnnualFinancial AidFair will be heldThursday March6, from 9 a.m. to2 p.m. and from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. atthe Student UnionLobby. There willbe assistance with2003-2004 FreeApplication forFederal StudentAid (FAFSA) and1040A and1040EZ federaltax returns forstudents. There will be freefood, music anddoor prizesthrough out theevent. The fair issponsored byStudent FinancialServices.Admission isfree.

■ Possible Kidnapping?A young Valley girlwho was thought tohave beenkidnapped wasfound two hoursafter her motherreported hermissingWednesday. Policesay the little girlwas at the Don-WesFlea Market inDonna with hermother, when shewent to therestroom alone andnever came out.She was found twohours later in theWeslaco K-Mart.The case is stillunder investigation.

Gabriel O. Hernandez/The Pan American

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE?— Political science professor Sam Freeman speaks to the crowd Tuesday atthe peace rally that was held outside the library. Freeman was one of several speakers at the event,which drew over 100 people. See page 5 for related information.

Vanity Fair, one of America'smost famous monthly magazines,published a feature by one of theircolumnists, Dame Edna, that theysay insulted the Hispanicpopulation.

Edna, who is actually a mannamed Barry Humphries, is anAustralian comedian who writes anadvice column in the magazine. Thefashion magazine editors stated inNew California Media, that Edna isnot a person whose advice shouldbe taken seriously.

“In stark contrast to seriousadvice columns, Dame Edna takesher questioners' worst assumptionsand runs with them,” Vanity Faireditors said.

However, in the February 2003issue, Edna made some remarks thatmost of the Hispanic populationdisliked.

A reader asked Edna for adviceon what foreign language sheshould learn, and that a lot of

people were telling her to learnSpanish because eventuallyeveryone is going to speak it. Inresponse, Edna said to forgetSpanish because there is "nothing inthat language worth reading exceptDon Quixote." She also added thatthe Spanish language would be ofno use to her because the onlypersons who speak it are the help,or the leaf blowers.

Several individuals and activistsgroups have made it their missionto get an apology from themagazine and Edna herself. NewYork attorney Wendy Maldonadostarted an Internet petition to tryand solicit a printed apology fromEdna.

In a letter to the editor attached inthe e-mail forward, Maldonado saidEdna could have used othercomments to make her statementconcerning the subject, instead ofsaying bad things about the Latinocommunity.

“Dame Edna could have chosenany number of amusing responses,”Maldonado wrote. “However, sheresponded using cheap, two-

dimensional stereotypes of Latinos,revealing not only her racism, butalso her profound ignorance of whowe are.”

Juanita Garza, a University ofTexas-Pan American history andphilosophy professor, was inaccordance with Maldonado. Garzawas one of the recipients of the e-mail.

“I understand how they felt,”Garza said. “I got the e-mail sent byfriends [and] I understand it[because] we are always having toapologize for ourselves, and we aresick of it.”

Garza, as well as other Latinogroups and individuals offended byEdna, commented that they couldnot believe how the magazine hadpublished that article when Mexicanactress Salma Hayek was on the VFcover.

Maldonado, in her letter to theeditor, also wrote that she could notfigure out how they chose to featureHayek on the cover, and then run anarticle about her success in

VFair controversy ragesBy ARIANNA VAZQUEZThe Pan American

Valleymemberpushed

See RESPONSE page 6

Now that Gov. Rick Perry has announcedtwo of the three nominees for theUniversity of Texas System Board ofRegents, State Rep. Aaron Pena Jr., D-Edinburg, feels a Valley native should beappointed to serve on the nine-memberboard.

According to Pena, it is important tohave a representative from the Valley on theboard because they understand theeducational needs of the area. Because ofthe predominance of Hispanics in SouthTexas, Pena feels education is a top priority.

“Education is our one ticket out ofpoverty,” Pena said. “To have a powerfulbody such as the Board of Regents and nothave a representative from deep SouthTexas is an absolute crime.”

However, Wendy Bengal, assistant presssecretary for Perry, said the governor islooking for the best qualified applicant tofill the last seat in the board. She said whenlooking for a candidate, the governor looksat applicants from all over the state andhopes they will represent all of Texas whileserving their term on the board.

Bengal added the governor has beenworking on appointing the next candidate,but that no specific date has been set onwhen he plans to announce the finalnominee.

“As with any appointment, he looks forthe best qualified candidate,” Bengal said.“It’s a statewide board, they look into thebest interest of all of Texas, no matterwhere they are from.”

When approving a member of the Boardof Regents, the Senate NominationsCommittee will look in into candidatequalifications. Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa,D-McAllen, who is a member of thecommittee, said also considered are thecandidates’ commitment to public serviceand their experience in education.

During appointment period, Hinojosasaid the committee meets every Monday tomake decisions on the nomination. He saidmost board members come from theHouston, Dallas and Austin areas, but thathe hopes the governor will appointsomeone from the Valley.

“Somehow the Valley has beenneglected, but they have appointed

By JENNIFER TAPIAThe Pan American

See REGENTS page 6

■ Broncos down Broncs 15■ Stat Page. . . . . . . . . . .14■ Sports Clipboard . . . . .13

PAGE 16

SPORTS

The University of Texas-Pan American Broncssnatched two baseballvictories over the Islandersof Texas A&M-CorpusChristi in a doubleheaderlast Saturday. But theSunday finale of the three-game series belonged toTAMUCC as the Islanders(8-4) defeated the Broncs,7-3.

“We just gave themthe game,” UTPA headcoach Willie Gawliksaid. “We played poorfundamental baseball,but winning two ofthree against a goodteam was good for us.”

The Broncs cameout strong, shuttingdown the visiting teamin the first frame andwasted no time inrecording the first runof the game. Aftersenior BruceKennedy’s triple,sophomore Marco Garza’ssacrifice hit broughtKennedy home for thegame’s first score. Garzaalready has 17 RBI on theyear, in 17 games, tied withKennedy for the team lead.

UTPA (9-8) led 1-0 untilthe top of the third inningwhen Islander first basemanMike Schelkewy ripped asingle to right field to bringin Juan Landin forTAMUCC’s first score of

the day. But the tie score wouldn’t

last long. Later in theinning, with two runners onbase, Islander HumbertoAguilar smacked a three-runhome run over the right-field wall to make the score4-1 at the end of the third.

By the bottom of the fifthframe the Broncs answered.After Jerome McCoy fliedout to right field and BruceKennedy went downswinging, Garza reached

base with a double and latercrossed home plate on asingle by sophomore TonyOrtiz, leaving UTPA down4-2 at the end of five.

In the sixth inning,TAMUCC chased Broncstarter Ben DiOrio, as JaimeLandin singled with thebases loaded to plate a runand a later error allowedanother. After MichaelBruner scored on a singleby Garanzuay, Landin tried

to score from second basebut was gunned down fromcenter field by JonathanMason.

DiOrio (2-1) allowedeight hits and seven runs,four earned, and wasrelieved by Travis Parker,who threw 3 2/3 innings ofscoreless work.

Following the three-runsixth, the Islanders led 7-2and cruised their way totheir victory. UTPA addedanother run in the eighth as

a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Juan Saenz platedMatt Eichel, butTAMUCC shut downany hopes for acomeback in the 7-3loss.

Garza had a pair ofhits for the Broncs, asdid Tony Ortiz. Garzais hitting .386 so far,second on the team toLouie Alamia (.447)while Ortiz is clickingalong at .358, third onthe team.

“We depended on ourspeed and didn’t have manychances to make somethinghappen,” Gawlik said.

Despite the most recentloss for UTPA, the Broncswere able to sweep adoubleheader against theIslanders, winning the firstgame 15-2 and the second6-5.

In the first game of thetwinbill, Eichel and

Broncs take two of threeBy JUAN FLORESThe Pan American

Broncs take doubleheader against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, but fall short of sweep

Photos by Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American

(Above) - UTPA senior pitcher Ben DiOrio hurls a pitch during a doubleheader againstTAMUCC.(Below) - UTPA Sophomore Marco Garza rounds third base during a game againstTAMUCC.(Lower Right) - Garza slides across home plate.

We depended onour speed and

didn’t have manychances to make

somethinghappen.

““

- Willie Gawlik, UTPA head baseball coach

See BASEBALL page 13

VALLEY

Remember

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539(956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122

http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican51st Year – No. 19

EditorMatt Lynch

mlynch@panam.edu

Layout Designers

Ashley Brooks

Gabriel O. Hernandez

Reporters

Hilda Barrientes

Amelia Garcia

Dulce Gonzalez

Aaron Lozano

Adriana Martinez

Clarissa Martinez

Nadar M. Siam

Jennifer Tapia

Celeste Y. Tello

Arianna Vazquez

Photographer

Daniel Aguilar

Circulation

Joe Rodriguez

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.

Letters policy

March 6 2 0 0 3

Readers with dis-abilities mayrequest an alter-native format ofthis publicationat The PanAmerican busi-ness office. For special assis-tance to attendany event listedin this publica-tion, contact thecoordinator of theevent at least oneweek prior to theadvertised date.

Sports EditorEd Chrnko

echrnko@yahoo.com

A & E EditorAshley Brooks

Magrew2@hotmail.com

News EditorBelinda Reyes

beberay25@aol.com

Graphics EditorGabriel O.Hernandez

gabo296@hotmail.com

NEWS■ Gallery . . . . . . . . . . 3■ Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . 4■ Peace Rally . . . . . . . 5

To the Editor:I just finished reading the “Caterwaul”

section of the February 6 Pan American,regarding the question “Should America Goto War with Iraq?” I was deeplydisappointed, given the importance of thistopic, with the arguments both for andagainst war.

In his case for war, Dagoberto Pérez, likeour President himself, slips too easily into“Axis of Evil”-type clichés: he explains that“Saddam would like nothing more than tosee Lady Liberty crumble” and refers inweighty capital letters to the “Iron Fist thatSaddam Hussein wears.”

This rhetoric, though satisfying in thesame way blockbuster movie previews are,fails to impart any actual evidence toforward Mr. Perez’s arguments. Like somuch of the Bush Administration’s publicstatements, Pérez plays on our sense of

dread without really engaging in criticaldebate or answering the reservations theAmerican people (and the world) haveexpressed about this war.

Arianna Vazquez, for her part, takes theview of only the most extreme elements ofthe anti-war movement and inflates themwith the language of a bad Bond movie:Bush, she says, is a “puppet of the oilindustry” who wants to “rule the world” andestablish “global empire.” Whatever onethinks of Bush or his war, the fact of thematter is that, even in France and otherbastions of anti-war sentiment, this debate isabout more than oil or empire: it is about,among other things, our relationships withthe rest of the world, the balance of power inthe Middle East, and how we go aboutmaking the world a safer place.

Those who oppose the war have anobligation to offer a different vision on theseissues. Ms. Vazquez instead chooses, likeMr. Pérez with Saddam Hussein, to provide

us with a dastardly villain rather than a realargument.

The question of war in Iraq will shapeglobal politics for years to come, affect allof our safety, and perhaps cost thousands ofcivilian lives in Iraq, not only through armedconflict but because of food supply andrefugee populations (Does anyone still talkabout Afghanistan, and all the starvingpeople we left behind there?). I am afraidthat such terribly momentous questionsdeserve a much more rigorous debate in ourcommunity than I saw in the pages of the“Pan American.”

Adam RosenblattArts and Culture Coordinator

Division of External AffairsUniversity of Texas Pan American

1201 West University DriveEdinburg, TX 78539-2999

Office: (956) 381-3349Cellular: (512) 796-1375

rosenblatt@panam.edu

Caterwaul panned by reader

OPINION l e t t e r s ■ e d i t o r i a l s ■ c a r t o o n sPAGE 2

With the help of a simple Web-basedcomputer program, the once cumbersomeprocess of advisement just became a whole loteasier for students at the University of Texas-PanAmerican.

UTPA officials believe the new program,dubbed the “Degree Audit System,” will take thehassle out of following a degree plan for notonly the 14,000-plus UTPA students, but alsofaculty who face the arduous task of advisingeach student.

“We are not going to do away with mandatoryadvisement in any way, shape, or form, but thiswill make it less hectic on the students,” saidDirector of Admissions and Records DavidZuniga. “The time students will have to spendwith their advisers will be more quality time anddeal with issues they need to talk about. It willmake it easier on faculty to work with students.”

According to Zuniga, the Degree AuditSystem was part of a software packagepurchased by the university several years ago,but the program was shelved while Admissionsand Records personnel worked on other state-mandated projects. But approximately five yearsago, the department spearheaded the effort to getthe system up and running.

“There are over 55 majors at the university,and they all have different requirements. It’staken time to get the information together fromall the departments, secretaries, and staff,”Zuniga said. “It has been in [testing two to three]years, and one year has been spent working outbugs. We now have it live and it is timed for theadvisement period, and students will be able toutilize it from now on.”

Previously, students looking for advisementwere required to fulfill a multistep process toreceive time with a faculty adviser. Afterobtaining a copy of a UTPA transcript, a studenthad to track down a copy of their specific degreeplan and make an appointment with a facultyadviser.

“Someone needed to sit with the student,decipher their transcript and answer thequestions, and eventually the student had to getthe degree plan signed and approved,” Zunigasaid. “Any time a student wanted a degree plan,it took a lot of time.”

But with the new Degree Audit System, thefirst two steps of the advisement have beenscrapped completely and the rest of the processhas been streamlined. Virtually the only step leftunaffected by the the new system is that studentsmust still have the finished degree plan signedby the dean of their respective college.

“Now from anywhere in the world if theyhave access to a computer, whether at work or athome or even in a lab or even a Kiosk machineon campus, a student, by entering their PIN andfollowing simple instructions will be able tohave their degree plan printed in seconds,”Zuniga said. “This does not preclude studentsfrom going to advisers for advisement, but it willmake things easier for both students andadvisers.”

The Degree Audit System will provide everyUTPA student with a virtual treasure trove ofinformation, including transcript data, gradesreceived in completed courses, remaining corerequirements and minor courses yet to becompleted. Zuniga believes this information willgreatly enhance a students’ ability to gauge theirprogression through their respective degreeplans.

According to Zuniga, invitations encouragingUTPA students to use the new Degree AuditSystem were mailed earlier this week along withregistration materials. Although the DegreeAudit System is not unique to UTPA - a numberof Texas A&M University system schools andUT-Austin use a related version of the program -the program was manipulated by UTPAComputer Center personnel to make thesoftware easier to use.

“The Computer Center has done a lot of workbehind the scenes,” Zuniga said. “We took thesystem and made it Web-based to make it moreuser-friendly. Now if the student looks at it on

the Web, it has color and everything.”Roy Rodriguez, a UTPA Computer Center

Program Analyst, feels his department workedhard to make the Degree Audit System programspecial to Pan Am.

“We brought the program out of the can andthe departments brought up a lot of issues, likethey wanted us to make it more user-friendlyand have more color,” he said. “The hardest partwas customizing it to meet UTPA’s needs anddealing with the deadlines. It was working whenwe first brought it out of the can, but it was verybasic.”

According to Rodriguez, the finished productwas over 10 years in the making, and his team isexcited to bring the new service to UTPA.

“Once we got rolling back in November 2002,that’s when we started pushing hard to get itdone for this coming semester. We’re very proudof it,” he said. “We’re still looking to make otherenhancements for it. We’re going to add morethings and it’s going to be much better. It’s goingto improve with the feedback we’re getting.”

The assistant deans of each UTPA college alsofaced the monumental task of collecting theinformation regarding their respective degreeplans to be entered into the program.

“It took some time checking to see that whatwas online matched what was in the catalogue,”said Wally Tucker, assistant dean of the Collegeof Arts and Humanities. “But now students aregoing to be able to have faster access to theirdegree plans and they will be more accurate. It’sgoing to be quicker to make a degree plan.”

Students can access the Degree Audit Systemby inputting their social security number andPIN through the student services section ofhttp://www.assist.panam.edu. Admissions andRecords also provides a tutorial regarding theuse of the service athttp://admissions.panam.edu/degreeaudit.html.

“We developed the tutorial Web site so that allthe answers are right there and students won’thave to call a bunch of people trying to figure itout,” Zuniga said. “It will answer any questionsa student may have.”

Online advising available By MATT LYNCHThe Pan American

March 6, 2003 sports Page 15

The Reynosa Broncos of the MexicanBaseball League defeated the Universityof Texas-Pan American baseball team 7-4in the third annual exhibition matchupbetween the two teams Tuesday nightbefore a crowd of 1,604 that were splitbetween Pan Am supporters and Broncosfans at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium.

Reynosa, the equivalent of a Triple-Abaseball club in the U.S., used some solidrelief pitching to silence UTPA’s bats inthe last three innings to run off with theexhibition game victory to improve to 2-0in their spring training season. TheBroncos defeated the Monterrey Sultanes6-3 in their first exhibition game of theyear on Monday.

Last year, the Broncos finished inseventh place in the Northern Zone with a20-33 record (43-67 overall) in the secondhalf of the 2002 MBL season. Thevisiting Broncos opened up the game byscoring three runs off seldom-used starterRicky Anderson, who pitched two inningsand gave up three runs off three hits.

Despite the shaky Bronc start, UTPAcomposed itself and got down tofundamentals. Pan Am responded in itshalf of the first inning with a pair of solo

home runs to left field by sophomoreshortstop Marco Garza and sophomorecatcher Matt Eichel off Reynosa veteranstarter Mercedes Esquer.

In the second inning, the Broncs tiedthe game 3-3 with a solo shot to left fieldby sophomore center fielder JonathanMason.

In 17 games, Pan Am has hit only sevenhome runs, but they cranked three round-trippers against Reynosa in the first twoinnings of the game against seasonedveteran left-hander Esquer.

Reynosa took back the lead in the topof the third off a pair of throwing errors.Left fielder Ozzie Timmons reached baseon a botched throw from third base andadvanced to second on the same errorwhich put him in scoring position. Secondbaseman Rafael Castañeda singled to rightcenter to score Timmons and put theBroncos back on top 4-3.

The Mexican club added to its lead inthe sixth when outfielder Joel Canales’single to right field scored Castañeda toincrease Reynosa’s lead 5-3. However,UTPA got out of the inning during thesame scoring play when third basemanOscar Romero tried to beat out a throw atthe plate, but was tagged out at home byEichel off a throw from freshman rightfielder Otis Powers.

Pan Am got the run back in the bottomhalf of the frame to close within one run,5-4, off sophomore Dustin Lee’s single toleft field that scored Mason from secondbase.

Reynosa proceeded to shut down theBronc offense for the last three innings ofthe game on the solid relief efforts ofNéstor Melendez, Martín Enriquez andOrlando Verdugo who combined to pitchthree innings of three-hit ball whilestriking out four UTPA batters in theprocess.

The Broncos added insurance runs inthe top of the eighth and ninth innings towin the international exhibition game 7-4.

“It (the game) was very even. Theyseem to have a lot of good players. Myrespect goes out to their boys,” saidReynosa pitching coach Florentino Duarteabout Pan Am’s players.

Despite the loss, first year head coachWillie Gawlik was satisfied with histeam’s performance against the Mexicanclub.

“We held our ground and we playedwell,” he said. “It was a great experiencefor us to be able to play against a proteam like that. You learn a lot of lessonswhen you play a pro team,” Gawlikadded. “They show you some things thatyou need to work on.”

Six Bronc pitchers allowed seven runsand scattered 14 hits in the loss while sixReynosa hurlers allowed four runs on 13hits.

“It helps us prepare to play againstsome good pitching and good defense. Ithelps us prepare for A&M,” Gawlik said,as his team prepares for a big upcomingthree-game series on the road againstTexas A&M.

In February, UTPA and the ReynosaBroncos baseball organization signed acontract to extend the border rivalry foranother three years.

Next season, the Broncs will play atReynosa with the series alternating sitesevery year.

This year’s game was originallyscheduled to be played in Mexico, but dueto ongoing renovation of Reynosa’sstadium, it was rescheduled to be playedat the Edinburg Baseball Stadium.

Last year, the Broncos defeated UTPA5-3 on a two-run dinger by Castañeda inthe top of the ninth inning before anidentical crowd of 1,604 that gathered atEdinburg Baseball Stadium.

In the inaugural game between thecross-border rivals in 2000, Reynosa beatPan Am 6-3 before a standing room onlycrowd of 4,746 at Jody Ramsey Stadium.

“This is a great thing for the city ofEdinburg and the city of Reynosa,” saidGawlik. “I think this will really grow intoa huge thing.”

The game was broadcast on Spanishlanguage radio station 1530 AM.

UTPA will visit Texas A&M at CollegeStation for a three-game series thiscoming weekend from March 7-9.

Triple-A equivalent squad defeats UTPA in anualmeeting of border rivals

By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American

Broncos best Broncs in baseball border bash

Lady Broncs downCentenary Ladies

UTPA closes out season at 7-21 following 87-82home win over Centenary

The University of Texas-Pan American women’sbasketball team defeated theCentenary Ladies, 87-82, toclose out the 2002-2003season in style last weekend.In doing so, they notchedtheir third win in four gamesand wrapped up the yearwith a 7-21 record on SeniorNight at the Fieldhouse.

The 87 points scored bythe Lady Broncs was aseason-high that eclipsed lastweek’s 77-point markachieved against IncarnateWord Feb. 25 at home.

Both teams had fiveplayers score in double-digits in the contested affairthat went back and forth allnight. Senior guard AlexGravel led the Lady Broncoffensive onslaught with 23points to end her playingcareer at UTPA as thewomen’s basketball all-timescoring leader with 1,227points. Senior center NaimaWilliams scored 16 points tofinish number two with

1,173 points. Five-foot-seven guard Amanda Carlowadded 15 points, JenniferPiwonka notched 14, andsenior forward Julie Portercontributed 10.

Centenary forward AlexisPettway led all scorers with24 points and also nabbed 10rebounds for a double-double.

The Lady Broncs had toplay catchup for most of thefirst half. Centenary took anine-point at 37-28 lead with4:16 to go, but Pan Am wenton a 10-0 run to close outthe first half with a slim 38-37 lead. Piwonka ledUTPA’s run with six pointswhile Carlow had two assistsand sank a jumper with 21seconds remaining in thefirst half to take the lead.

In the second half, thegame went back and forth.UTPA held the lead on 10different occasions while CCled nine times throughoutthe half.

After being tied 61-61with 11:42 remaining, PanAm went on a 14-6 run thatwas topped off by Williams’

layup at 6:08 that gave theLady Broncs an eight-pointat 75-67. However, theLadies stormed right backwith a 15-5 run to reclaimthe lead 82-80 when LindsayWay hit two free throwswith 1:11 left in the game.

UTPA didn’t give up. TheLady Broncs charged rightback to tie the game for the15th time, 82-82, on thestrength of an all-out teameffort that saw four of fiveorange-and-green playersscore at least one point inthe last minute of the game.Pan Am concluded the gamewith a 7-0 run when Gravelsank two free throws withthree seconds remaining inthe game to clinch the 87-82victory and close out theseason on a winning note.

“Everthing just cametogether. We knew we had tobeat Centenary. .We wantedto beat them bad,” saidWilliams.

With the win, UTPAimproved its home record to5-10 and 7-21 on the season.Centenary ended the season8-20.

Photo by Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American

Stacey Gooden drives to the hoop for a layup during a game against Incarnate Word.

By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American

March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 3

Mariachi Azahares, a local all-female mariachi group, will becelebrating its second anniversarythis spring.

Gaby Sandoval, the group’sfounder, moved to the Valley in thefall of 1997 as a former member ofan all-female mariachi group inSan Antonio. Sandoval enrolled atthe University of Texas-PanAmerican, and has been a memberof UTPA Mariachi for six years.

Mariachi Azahares originated inthe spring of 2001 from a list ofUTPA musicians Sandoval deemedworthy to participate and perform.

“I chose girls who I thoughtwould be inspired by the musicand have a passion for it,” shesaid.

The group consists of 10women, all students and membersof UTPA Mariachi Femenil, whichoriginated in the fall of 2001 afterSandoval pitched the idea to Dr.Dahlia Guerra, head of the school’smusic department and director ofUTPA Mariachi.

“I thought that it would be agood idea because there’s nothinglike that here,” Sandoval said.“There was always mixed groupsor all-male groups but never an all-female group.”

“La Reyna,” which means thequeen, is one of the many songs inmariachi that is traditionallyperformed by a male vocalistbecause it is dedicated to a woman.“El Rey,” which means the king, isthe song’s transformed version thatallows a female to sing indedication to a man.

Mariachi Azahares entertaincustomers at local restaurantsnearly every weekend, with “ElRey” and other songs such as “LasMañanitas” and “Volver,” charging$10 per request. On a good nightthe group will make up to $550.

“They like us ‘cause weresomething new and different towatch,” said violinist MelissaHernandez. “Our goal is to getourselves more recognized, and sofar we have captivated someinterest.”

More than half of the membersof Mariachi Azahares keep themelody tempo with the instrumentmost commonly associated withmariachi, the violin. A vihuela, aguitar and a guitarron keep therhythm, and a trumpet is added forclarity and sound. All 10 musiciansare vocalists as well.

Juanita Garza, professor ofhistory at UTPA, said thatMariachi Azahares contradicts thestereotype of a woman only beingallowed in mariachi as a featuredvocalist.

“They are really breaking intothe realm of masculinity,” Garzasaid. “They are opening up themusic industry for more females ina sense.”

Garza feels that the group isprobably accepted by the public.

“You’re always going to havesomeone who is a purist aboutmariachi, and is going to be totallyagainst females,” said Garza. “ButI think that for the most partpeople will recognize that this isdifferent so they’ll be morereceptive to accepting theirmusic.”

The musicians look forward tocompeting Feb. 21 in Laredoagainst professional mariachigroups for prize money. They willbe the only all-female groupentering in the competition.

“It’s a male dominated genre,”Sandoval said. “It’s about time weshow them what were capable of.”

The group also gets booked forgigs playing for weddings,quincieñeras, birthdays andanniversaries. Each performerearns $40 per gig, which usuallylast about one hour.

Female band tearing it upBy MARIZA ELIZONDOThe Pan American

Ever since Sept. 11, the threat of terrorism hascreated an added need for security among U.S.citizens. The government created the HomelandSecurity Advisory System (HSAS) to provide acomprehensive and effective means to spreadinformation regarding the risk of terrorist acts tofederal, state, local authorities, and the public.

As of last week the U.S. Attorney General alongwith the Homeland Security Council made thedecision to return the threat level to an elevated riskof terrorist attack, or "yellow" level from the recenthigh “orange” risk level.

Such a system provides warnings by having a 5-level measure of threat conditions that changes as therisk of the threats increase. At each level federaldepartments and agencies implement acorresponding set of protective measures to furtherreduce vulnerability or increase response capabilityduring a period of heightened alert.

This system is intended to create a commonunderstanding, context, and structure for an ongoingnational discussion about the nature of the threatsthat confront the homeland. It also provides theappropriate measures that should be taken inresponse.

The HSAS includes five levels of threatconditions, each identified by a description andmatching color. From lowest to highest, the levelsand colors are:

• Low = Green;• Guarded = Blue• Elevated = Yellow• High = Orange• Severe = Red.

The higher the Threat Condition, the greater the

risk of a terrorist attack. Risk includes both theprobability of an attack occurring and its potentialgravity.

At UTPA, the University Police Department hasmade an effort to keep the students, faculty and staffalert to the prospect of danger that is among us. Bye-mailing the campus about the different informationthat the NSAS is documenting, and monitors thenews reports and the emergency alert systems.

According to Howard Miller, UTPA police chief,there is an obvious difference between the elevatedand high alert levels, but the precaution theuniversity is taking to assure the protection of UTPAremains the same. The creation of new committees,such as the campus safety team, is one step beingmade to ensure the protection of UTPA.

“Students need to be aware of their surroundings,”Miller said. “They need to able to be observant incase of any suspicious behavior, and be on theirguard. Some things shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

Across the area action is being taken also to thesafety of residents of the Rio Grande Valley. InBrownsville, there is a security alert for differentcrises, from natural disasters like tornados orhurricanes to disasters such as terrorist attacks.

“We are very prepared, but going about businessas usual,” said Mark Erbert of the BrownsvillePolice Department. “As are as anything that doeshappen, Brownsville is ready to act on it with propersecurity measures.”

UTPA is with the community in being preparedfor a disaster in the future. Miller feels that thestudents need to take accountability for their ownsafety.

“In the long run a person’s safety is their ownresponsibility,” Miller said. “Sometimes people thinkthat the campus is immune to different attacks,whether it be natural or man made. Everyone shouldbe observant and prepared in case something everhappens close to home.”

Alerts followed locallyBy CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American

On Saturday at 1 a.m., Lorena Garcia, assistanteditor for the Panorama, was still in the UTPAPanorama office trying to sort her way throughfeature stories for the upcoming issue.

Along with other staff members, Garcia is startingto feel the quickly approaching deadline that must bemet in order to get the student publication out byfinals week in May.

“This year, the Panorama staff is trying hard toadd more quality content, photos and graphics,” saidGarcia, a public relations/advertising major.

Designed as an annual pictorial of campus events,student activities, and student feature stories, thePanorama serves as an organization forcommunications students. The staff produces most ofthe content and photos but submissions are stillaccepted from UTPA students.

“The Panorama is a magazine yearbook hybrid,"said lecturer Jacqueline Nirenberg, the group’sadviser. “Its purpose is to provide a snapshot of theyear for UTPA students and is also used as a publicrelations tool for the university.”

According to Nirenberg, every year the Panoramais different because it is purely student-driven,allowing the staff to determine the look, theme andsize of the publication. Funding for the Panoramacomes from student fees, approved by the StudentAffairs Advisory Committee.

According to Nadia Mercado, Panorama Editor,the product will showcase the university from pastyears, dating back to 1927, to the future of UTPA.Garcia will have to spend some of her Spring Breakmaking sure the Panorama makes its way to theprinting press on time. But she will also have tomake sure another student publication gets there ontime too.

Besides being a part of the Panorama staff, Garciais also a part of Gallery 2003, a student-literary arts

magazine. She is one of the students enrolled inENG 3334, an English course which explores thetechniques of magazine production and editing. Theclass provides a comprehensive laboratoryexperience in the editing of the production of Gallery2003, including techniques of computer-generatedcomposition and design, according to the classsyllabus.

“From advertising and selecting the material toteamwork and decision-making in the final weeks,the students get a great experience from start tofinish,” said Sandra Cararas, instructor and adviser ofGallery 2003. “Billboards have already been postedall around the UTPA campus along with flyers inorder to advertise for submissions.”

According to Garcia, the differences betweenPanorama and Gallery 2003 are that Panorama haspaid positions for the editor, the assistant editor andother members of the organization, along withvolunteers. The students producing Gallery 2003 areequals with no pay and must put together the literarymagazine in its entirety to earn a grade.

Similarly though, both Panorama and Gallery2003 are scheduled to be out the first two weeks ofMay.

In its 20th year of publication, Gallery is primarilyfunded through student service fees. Manysupporters from the UTPA faculty have alsosupported the product in past years and arerecognized as patrons.

Gallery 2003 will feature original works by UTPAstudents in the genres of poetry, prose (short story oressay), art, and photos.

Submissions of original works are currently beingaccepted. UTPA students, both undergraduate orgraduate students who were enrolled in either fall2002 or spring 2003 may submit their originalworks. The place to submit is the UT Press Officelocated on the second floor of the COAS buildingroom 266. The deadline for accepting submissions isMarch 7, 2003.

Publications coming alongBy ADRIANA MARTINEZThe Pan American

Special to The Pan American

KICKER— Members of the Mariachi Azahares play for dining guests at theRepublic of the Rio Grande restaurant on South 10th Street in McAllen

March 6, 2003 sports Page 14

UTPA BASEBALL SCORES AND STATS

March 4 (Exhibition)Reynosa 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 - 7 14 1UTPA 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 - 4 13 2

Pitchers: REYNOSA - M. Esquer; N. Renovato (4); C.Tijerina (6); N. Melendez (7); M. Enriquez (7); O.Verdugo (9).UTPA - R. Anderson; R. Martinez (3); J. Duhon (4); A.Guerra (6); L. Alamia (7); J. Saenz (9).Win-M. Esquer. Loss-R. Martinez. Save-O. Verdugo. Time - 2:57 Attendance - 1,604HR UTPA - M Garza; M Eichel; J Mason.

March 2 TAMUCC 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 - 7 12 3 UTPA 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 - 3 9 2 Pitchers: TAMUCC - J Hamon; M Garcia (6); JHuerta (8). UTPA - B DiOrio; T Parker (6). Win-J Hamon (3-1) Save-J Huerta (2) Loss-BDiOrio (2-1) Time - 3:00 Attendance - 235HR TAMUCC - H AguilarTAMUCC 8-4, UTPA 9-8

March 1 (Game two)TAMUCC 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 - 5 8 2UTPA 0 0 2 0 1 3 x - 6 7 0Pitchers: TAMUCC - S Walker; J Huerta (6); MGarcia (6). UTPA - A Guerra; J Gibson (3). Win-J Gibson (2-1) Loss-J Huerta (1-1) Time - 2:10 Attendance - 393HR TAMUCC - H Aguilar, J GarnerTAMUCC 7-4, UTPA 9-7

March 1 (Game one)TAMUCC 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 - 2 6 4 UTPA 7 1 0 0 0 1 0 6 x - 15 13 1 Pitchers: TAMUCC - D Arroyo; E Martanovic (2).UTPA - J Lopez; T Sorden (3). Win-T Sorden (1-1) Loss-D Arroyo (1-1) Time - 2:45 Attendance - Not ReportedTAMUCC 7-3, UTPA 8-7

UTPA Baseball Team Leaders

Batting

G AB H R HR RBI AVGLouie Alamia 12 38 17 9 0 4 .447Marco Garza 17 70 27 14 3 17 .386Tony Ortiz 17 67 24 13 0 12 .358Jerome McCoy 17 42 15 14 0 8 .357Bruce Kennedy16 59 17 12 2 17 .288A. Alonzo 8 14 4 3 0 1 .286Juan Saenz 10 25 7 0 0 5 .280Matt Eichel 12 35 9 11 0 6 .257T.J. Gilmer 13 44 11 8 0 9 .250Matt Sisk 14 41 10 6 1 7 .244J. Englert 7 18 4 4 0 1 .222Jarod Hickle 8 15 3 4 1 2 .200J. Mason 15 30 6 8 0 5 .200John Lopez 10 18 3 6 0 1 .167Ben DiOrio 9 18 1 1 0 4 .056

Note: based on at least 10 at-bats.

PitchingG IP W-L SV BB SO ERA

John Lopez 4 14.0 1-0 1 9 11 0.64Ben DiOrio 5 24.1 2-1 1 9 16 2.59J. Gibson 8 18.0 2-1 1 9 13 4.50J. Duhon 4 7.0 0-2 0 6 1 5.14A. Guerra 5 23.0 2-2 0 9 10 5.48T. Sorden 6 24.1 1-1 0 18 15 5.55T. Parker 5 20.2 1-1 0 9 13 9.15L. Alamia 1 3.2 0-0 0 6 3 14.73R. Anderson 2 1.1 0-0 0 4 0 20.25

Team Batting

G AB H R HR RBI AVGUTPA 17 540 160 113 7 99 .296Opp. 17 523 131 109 10 96 .250

Team Pitching

G IP W-L SV BB SO ERAUTPA 17 143.0 9-8 1 86 88 5.16Opp. 17 136.0 8-9 2 72 105 5.23

UTPA BASEBALL STATS Date Opponent Result SiteFeb. 1 SWT W 11-3 HFeb. 2 Sch. (DH) W 13-4 HFeb. 2 Schreiner W 7-1 HFeb. 10 Lamar (DH) L 10-16 HFeb. 10 Lamar W 3-2 HFeb. 11 Lamar L 2-9 HFeb. 14 California L 5-20 AFeb. 15 Nebraska L 1-9 AFeb. 16 SWT. L 3-12 AFeb. 19 Inc. Word (DH) L 8-12 (10) HFeb. 19 Inc. Word W 4-0 HFeb. 22 Ark.-Monticello (DH) W 15-0 HFeb. 22 Ark.-Monticello W 2-1 HFeb. 23 Ark.-Monticello L 5-6 HFeb. 26 Texas Tech - CanceledFeb. 27 Texas Tech - CanceledMar. 1 TAMUCC (DH) W 15-2, W W 6-5 4 p.m.Mar. 2 TAMUCC L 7-3 1 p.m.Mar. 4 Reynosa (Exhib.) L 7-4 7:30 p.m.

Date Opponent Site TimeMar. 7 TAMU A 7 p.m.Mar. 8 TAMU A 7 p.m.Mar. 9 TAMU A 1 p.m.Mar. 11 Sam Hou. St. H 7 p.m.Mar. 12 Sam Hou. St. H 1 p.m.

UTPA/Al Ogletree Classic (March 14-16)Mar. 14 Iona vs. Illinois H 3 p.m.Mar. 14 Prairie View H 7 p.m.Mar. 15 Iona vs. Prairie View H 3 p.m.Mar. 15 Illinois H 7 p.m.Mar. 16 Illinois vs. Prairie View H NoonMar. 16 Iona H 7 p.m.

Mar. 17 Iona H 7 p.m.Mar. 18 Iona H 2 p.m.Mar. 25 SWT A 6:30 p.m.Mar. 26 SWT A 4 p.m.Mar. 28 Dallas Baptist H 7 p.m.Mar. 29 Dallas Baptist H 7 p.m.Apr. 1 Texas A&M-Kingsville H 5 p.m.Apr. 5 TAMUCC (DH) A 1 p.m.Apr. 6 TAMUCC A 1 p.m.Apr. 8 Texas A 6:30 p.m.Apr. 11 Oral Roberts A 7 p.m.Apr. 12 Oral Roberts A 3 p.m.Apr. 13 Oral Roberts A 1 p.m.Apr. 15 Oklahoma St. A 6:30 p.m.Apr. 16 Oklahoma St. A NoonApr. 22 Texas A 6:30 p.m.Apr. 23 Texas-San Antonio A 1 p.m.Apr. 30 Texas-San Antonio (DH)H 5 p.m.May 2 Southeastern LA A 6:30 p.m.May 3 Southeastern LA A 3:30 p.m.May 4 Southeastern LA A 1 p.m.May 16 NMSU (DH) A 2/8 p.m.May 17 NMSU (DH) A 2/8 p.m.

UTPA Baseball Schedule

Men’s Final Basketball TeamLeaders

PointsG Pts Pts/G

K. MITCHELL 30 442 14.7Allen Holcomb 30 325 10.8Eric Montalvo 30 274 9.1 P. Thompson 30 246 8.2T. Sitnikovas 30 245 8.2

ReboundsG Reb Reb/G

A. HOLCOMB 30 226 7.5T. Sitnikovas 30 137 4.6P. Thompson 30 123 4.1

AssistsG No A/G

JAMES DAVIS 29 111 3.8Kevin Mitchell 30 97 3.2Eric Montalvo 30 58 1.9

Women’s Basketball TeamLeaders

PointsG Pts Pts/G

ALEX GRAVEL 25 354 14.2Naima Williams 28 308 11.0J.r Piwonka 28 222 7.9Julie Porter 28 179 6.4A. Carlow 28 171 6.1

ReboundsG Reb Reb/G

J. PORTER 28 161 5.8N. Williams 28 156 5.6Alex Gravel 25 113 4.5

AssistsG No. A/G

J. PIWONKA 28 89 3.2A. Carlow 28 87 3.1Alex Gravel 25 53 2.1

UTPA BasketballStats

March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 4

Hery CastroBiologySenior

I think it’s all about ignorance since thereare people that don’t understand thedepth, the culture and the roots oflanguages such as Spanish.

Nelson CarrasqueroElectrical EngineeringSenior

I think there is ignorance behind thecolunmist opinion because there isno such beauty as having the abilityto communicate and know aboutother cultures.

Lindsey SchnielderUndeclared Freshman

I think it’s racist, because in manyareas of the country Spanish is thesecondary language.

Do you feel that Vanity Faircolumnist Dame Edna’s

comments were unfair andracist ?

Kenny MontgomerySpanishGraduate

I don’t think it’s racist but it is ignorance. Ithink it is just not about learning alanguage but learning about the wholeculture and civilization of any language.

VOICECCaammppuuss

Pierre CantuTelevision BroadcastingJunior

Yes, I believe it is racist and unfair to acertain point. It is sad because there areU.S. citizens who show their narrow mind,and through these type of interviews wecan offer a different view.

A Christian is someone who believes thatJesus Christ is their savior and path to Heaven.

Although denominations vary in the details oftheir beliefs, all Christians believe in goodness,and caring for others.

The following organizations demonstrate thatdespite all their differences when it comes downto it humanity and their faith in God are whatreally matters.

YOUNG CATHOLIC MINISTRYThe Young Adult Catholic Ministry is the

only Roman Catholic organization on campus.Its mission is to unite Catholics on campus byupholding the Roman Catholic Church and itsteachings. It aims to educate members bysharing and discussing issues that pertain to theCatholic religion and providing services at theUniversity of Texas Pan American. YACM alsointends to create a welcoming environmentwhich fosters human and Catholic development.

The weeks begin with peace prayer servicesheld in the University Chapel from 12 to 12:30p.m. on Mondays. Other activities held in theUniversity Chapel include Bible studiesThursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Masses are given on Thursdays at noon withlunch provided afterward, and a contemplativeprayer meetings on Fridays from 10 a.m. to10:30 a.m.

YACM meetings are held Tuesdays at noon.The organization is also hosting a FaithDevelopment Series held on Thursdays at 6:30p.m. Weekend activities include afternoonmovie on Fridays at 3 p.m. and mass at 5:30p.m. on Sundays. All masses are performed byFather Hillary Brzezinski from the Diocese ofBrownsville.

“We try to offer as much as possible so that atleast one of the things can fit into people’sschedule,” Alfonso Liguez, campus minister,said.

Silent retreats will be held monthly, and datesare to be announced. The organization alsoparticipates in other activities throughout theyear. Last week it sponsored a forum about thewar on Iraq. Speakers were Dr. Gregory Selberfrom the communication department and NickBraune, a theology/philosophy teacher at TexasState Technical College in Harlingen.

Members attend the Texas Catholic StudentConference every spring.

The date and location for this spring ispending. All activities are held so that memberscan learn the Catholic teachings and strengthentheir faith. YACM member Elys Salinas, juniorpre-pharmacy major, believes that theorganization has done just that for her.

“I joined to better understand the Catholicfaith,” said Salinas, a lifelong Catholic. “I havelearned the Church’s views on big issues likecontraception and abortion. I also understandthe symbolism of the order of the Mass now.”

Catholic beliefs include the communion ofsaints, forgiveness of sins, and that Virgin Maryascended into Heaven. The Holy Rosary is a setof prayers in which one asks the Virgin to prayfor them or loved ones. Included in the Rosaryare two common Catholic prayers, the HailMary and the Our Father. The Our Father canbe found in the Bible and the phrases in theHail Mary have been taken from the Bible aswell.

They also believe that Jesus Christ died forthe forgiveness of sins and that salvation is adaily task. Catholics live by the TenCommandments and believe one must followthe Seven Sacraments.

- Baptismal- one is introduced into the Churchas an infant.

- Reconciliation- confessing one’s sins andasking for forgiveness before communion

- Holy Eucharist- One eats the body andblood of Christ. Children, usually aroundthe age of seven are taught the meaning ofCommunion and receive their First HolyCommunion. Then they can receive theCommunion every Mass as long as they areright with God.

- Confirmation- One confirms their belief inGod and the Roman Catholic Church intheir mid or late teens usually.

- Holy orders-to become a priest or nun- Holy Matrimony- those who do not choose

holy orders then they shall marry- Anointing of the Sick - the sick are anointed

with holy oil so that if they die they can beidentified as a Christian who has repented

YACM not only offers its members educationin the Catholic faith. It also creates anenvironment for them to connect and becomefriends. YACM parliamentarian Omar Riojasfeels that this is important.

“After awhile you develop a bond with theother members,” said Riojas, a sophomorephysical therapy major. “It’s nice to have peopleof the same faith to count on and to count onyou.”

YACM members can often be found hangingout at the Catholic Student Center which isprovided by the Diocese of Brownsville. Thecenter is off campus and is not affiliated withUTPA. However, members often meet there.Liguez is the director of the center and said thatthe center has several purposes.

“The center is open to the public,” heexplained. “We are here to serve the communitywhich includes the students. We provide a placefor them to come and relax between classes oreven study.”

Riojas, who often takes advantages of theservices the center has to offer, feels that thecenter prioritizes education.

“We come here to relax, but the emphasis ison academics,” he said. “We have the quietroom to study in and computers we can use.”

Liguez feels that together YACM and theCatholic Student Center are developing itsmembers to be better individuals.

“It is important that people who aredeveloping their professional skills to alsodevelop themselves spiritually,” Liguez said.“This way at the end the University willproduce well-rounded citizens that will bring amoral and human aspect to their profession.”

For information about YACM contact theorganization at 383-0133 or e-mail atyacm@catholic.org.

UNITED METHODIST STUDENTMOVEMENT

The United Methodist Student Movement isaffiliated with the United Methodist Church, butaccepts members from all religions. Its goal isto create a caring and welcoming environmentfor its members. It motto is “Open hearts, openminds, open doors.”

On Tuesdays the UMSM hosts a free lunch atnoon for its members and has a guest speaker.The last one was Nancy Reyes form ValleyAIDS Council. On Thursdays a free lunch isfollowed by a Bible Study at noon. The groupreads scriptures from the Bible and then has astudent-led discussion. The topic depends onquestions members might have.

“The campus minister does not usually getinvolved,” President of UMSM KhristianVasquez said. “He tells us that it is ourorganization and that we need to take over, butif we ever have a question then he gladly jumps

Fellowship soughtBy AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American

Campus FaithSECOND IN A CONTINUING SERIES

See FAITH page 6

When school becomes toooverwhelming and the NewYear’s resolution to lose weightnever really transpires,something has to be around thatwill help mind and body. At theUniversity of Texas-PanAmerican there is a recreationalintramural department that offersa wide variety of sports activitiesfor all students, faculty, and staffto participate in regardless oftheir ability or experience.

"It’s a great place to makenew friends, if you were a highschool athlete or never havecompeted in anything before, it’sa wonderful experience,"Intramural Recreation SportsAssistant Art Cabrera said."Sometimes those games getpretty competitive, it’s real fun tobe out there to watch it all."

Current intramural sportsinclude flag football, soccer,basketball, volleyball, beachvolleyball, putt-putt, golf,racquetball, tennis, softball and

for its inaugural year, bowlingDuring the fall, flag football,

men’s 3-on-3 basketball andvolleyball were the featuredsports. For the men’s 3-on-3basketball competition, UTPAjoined universities nationwide totake part in Midnight Madness,the annual celebration to markthe official start of basketballseason.

The Latin Players werecrowned champions of the one-day 3-on-3 tournament despitestiff competition.

In flag football, the Stallionsclaimed this year’s title byoverwhelming the competition.The Vipers won the co-edchampionship.

Arecent survey by the studentbody at the end of the fallsemester provided someinteresting suggestions foradditional sporting events.

"The sport that was in highdemand was oddly enoughbowling, thus in the springsemester we will have co-edbowling," Cabrera said.

Several other sports are in the

works for the present semester.After spring break, co-edsoftball, men’s soccer, and co-edflag football will be offered.Bowling will make its debut thisyear as an intramural event andwill be in a 4-on-4 co-ed format.

"I expect to see a lot of peoplesigning up for bowling, theyasked for it so we brought it tothem," Cabrera said.

Intramural events are usuallyheld between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.Monday through Thursday. Allparticipants will receive a freeIntramural Campus T-shirt andthe winner of each event isawarded an Intramural CampusChamp T-shirt. Some of thecampus champions advance toregional, state, or nationaltournaments, depending on theactivity.

The events are open to allfaculty, staff, and registeredstudents regardless of athleticability. Official Intramural entryforms may be obtained at BroncVillage Apartments #2101 or foradditional information, call 292-0839.

March 6, 2003 Sports Page 13

Golf team takes fifth,Lady Broncs fall

The UTPA men’s golf team took fifthplace out of 13 teams at the MoeO’Brien Memorial Invitational hosted byMcNeese State Tuesday. The Broncs fin-ished the 54-hole event with a score of893.

The Lady Broncs tennis team fell 7-0to Louisiana-Monroe Sunday. The clos-est match of the event was at the numbertwo singles spot, where Nataly Ostovskadefeated Kathryn Waslen 6-4, 6-4.

Mexico faces Boliva

The MLS Dallas Burn announcedMonday that the organization will hostan international friendly competitionbetween Mexico and Bolivia onWednesday, March 19 at 8 p.m. at TexasStadium. Mexico last faced the Bolivianson May 16, 2002 in San Francisco in aWorld Cup tune-up match. In that match,the “Tricolor” barely defeated the SouthAmericans 1-0 to improve their all-timerecord against Bolivia to 5-1-1. Ticketsfor the friendly will go on sale on March5 at 10 a.m. and can be purchasedthrough Ticketmaster.

Kenseth scores UAW victory

Matt Kenseth won the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 on Sunday afterbeating out Dale Earnhardt Jr. to the fin-ish line by 9.104 seconds. Kenseth wona Winston Cup-best five races last sea-son. Michael Waltrip, the Daytona 500winner, finished the race in third place,but took over the Winston Cup pointslead.

Woods outduels Tomsfor Accenture win

Tiger Woods remained in a class allhis own Sunday when he won theAccenture Match Play Championship atLa Costa in Carlsbad, Calif. Woods putan end to a comeback from David Tomson the 35th hole after hitting a 7-iron195 yards to save par from the bunker towin 2-and-1. He never trailed after that.Woods won the title by playing in thefewest holes (112 in six rounds) amongany winner in the five-year history of theworld championship. The win was

Woods’ 36th on the PGA Tour and rakedin $1,050,000.

Rayos claim top of standings

The Rayos of Necaxa defeated theTecos of the Autonomous University ofGuadalajara (U.A.G.), 2-1, to leapfrog tothe top of the Mexican Soccer LeagueClausura 2003 standings with 16 points.Last week’s leader, Chivas ofGuadalajara, slipped to second placeafter battling to a 1-1 tie with Morelos.The Rayados of Monterrey took up resi-dence in third place with 15 points aftercoming from behind to tie the GallosBlancos of Querétaro 1-1. Club Américadropped to fourth place after the Pumasof U.N.A.M. tied the match 1-1 on apenalty kick by Mariano Trujillo in the34th minute of the Mexico City classic.Monterrey-based Tigres fell to fifth placewith 14 points after letting a victory getaway when Santos Laguna tied the“regios” on chilean spark plug RodrigoRuiz’ last minute goal to tie the match 2-2.

Jones scores heavyweight title

Roy Jones Jr. became only the secondlight heavyweight to win the WBAheavyweight title after outboxing JohnRuiz Saturday night in Las Vegas. Joneswon a unanimous 12-round decision:118-110, 117-111 and 116-112. The onlyother light heavyweight boxer to win theheavyweight title was Michael Spinkswhen he defeated Larry Holmes in 1985.In other weekend fights, Jean-MarcMormeck of France knocked outUkrainian Alexander Gurov in the eighthround to retain the WBA cruiserweighttitle and Ronald Wright of St.Petersburg, Fla. outscored ColumbianJuan Candelo to retain the IBF juniormiddleweight title.

Chargers add Boston,Broncos ink Plummer

Two Arizona Cardinal losses turnedout to be gains for two NFL teamsWednesday as the San Diego Chargerslanded wide receiver David Boston andthe Denver Broncos snagged quarterbackJake Plummer. Boston’s deal is worth$47 million over seven seasons, whilePlummer signed his name on a $40 mil-lion, seven-year deal.

SSPPOORRTTSS CCLLIIPPBBOOAARRDDUTPA drops seasonfinale to Morris Brown

ATLANTA - Morris Brownforward Anthony Adams hit abuzzer-beating jump shot todefeat the University of Texas-Pan American men's basketballteam 72-71 Saturday in theseason finale, at John LewisArena.

The heartbreaking lossdropped UTPA to 10-20 to endthe year and the Wolverinesimproved to 9-19 to close outtheir season on a positive note.

On the upside, four Broncplayers scored in double digits.In his last game as a Bronc,Kevin Mitchell led the teamwith 18 points, Allen Holcombadded 17 points and ninerebounds, Valley native EricMontalvo contributed 12 and

freshman forward Derrick Eastscored 10.

The Wolverines opened thegame with an early 20-9 runand held the lead at 37-26 with4:36 remaining in the first half.The Broncs came back with sixpoints from Holcomb and keyshots from junior guard PrinceThompson and Montalvo tofinish the first half with a 13-0run to take a 39-37 lead athalftime.The Broncs started thesecond half just as strong asthey ended the first, scoringnine points and holding MorrisBrown scoreless to build a 48-39 lead early in the secondhalf. In a game of ups anddowns, the Wolverines thenfought back, using a 22-10 runto take a 62-59 lead.

The Broncs eventuallygrabbed a 71-70 lead with 22

seconds remaining off aMontalvo layup. However,Morris Brown wouldn’t bedenied on its home court andpulled out the win on Adams’shot at the buzzer, whichbounced off the rim and fell into sink the visitors.

The loss marked the seventhtime this season that theBroncs lost a game by fourpoints or less. Two of thoselosses came in overtime, andtwo more were at the buzzer.

The loss meant that thisyear’s team suffered acomplete reversal record-wisein comparison to 2001-2002,when it was 20-10. Theheartbreaking defeat put an endto a long and frustrating seasonthat was filled with injuries,missed chances, and unfulfilledpotential.

By NADER M. SIAMThe Pan American

Kennedy led the way for the Broncs.Eichel went 3-5 from the plate, scoredthree runs and recorded one RBI, whileKennedy also went 3-5, scored two runsand had 3 RBIs. Tommy Sorden (1-1) gotthe win for UTPA on the mound, pitching6.1 innings and giving up two runs on sixhits while five Islanders.

In game two, leftfielder Louie Alamiaplayed a solid game for the Broncs. Thefreshman went 2-3 from the plate, andscored a run. Johnny Gibson (2-1) earned

the win on the mound for UTPA, givingup three hits and striking out three battersin 4.2 innings of work.

When it comes to selecting who willdraw the next assignment on the mound,Gawlik and his staff will take a close lookat the current season statistics. Possiblestarters include sophomore John Lopez,senior Travis Parker and junior TommySorden.

The Broncs will visit Texas A&M for athree-game series from March 7-9.

BASEBALL continued from page 16

Intramurals offer funBy NADER M. SIAMThe Pan American

March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 5March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 12

RALLY!

Peace rally participants,clockwise from top: Dr. SamFreeman; Hector Aguayo;Richard Carmona-Casas;Omar Rodriguez; MarthaRamos; Alex Gaus.

Photos by Gabriel Hernandez

March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 6

Diversity detailed

Hollywood following Edna's offensivepiece.

The League of United Latin AmericanCitizens (LULAC), and other Latinogroups are planning to boycott VanityFair, and are demanding the apology aswell. In a Feb. 6 press release, LULACsaid Edna insulted 37 million Latinos inthe United States.

Maria Elena Salinas, of NoticieroUnivision, wrote an article stating that afew laughs are not worth offendingmillions of people. She also added thatSpanish is the second-most spokenlanguage in the world.

“t would be beneficial for everyone tolearn how to speak one of the richest, andmost beautiful languages on Earth,”Salinas wrote. “And be able tocommunicate with the more than 400million native Spanish speakers in theworld.”

Salinas added that Edna might bemake-believe, but nothing about herremarks in this particular column wasfictional.

“Hispanics are the fastest-growingethnic group in the United States, [and]their purchasing power is estimated to beabove $600 billion," she wrote. "Soinstead of insulting Latinos, Vanity Fairshould consider publishing its magazinesin Spanish, and that is no joke."

The topic of Spanish literary works nothaving sufficient quality to be worthreading was also addressed by severalpetitioners. Maldonado stated that if Ednawere educated or cultured she wouldknow Hispanic Nobel Prize Winners likeOctavio Paz and Gabriel Garcia-Marquez,to name a few.

Hispanic author Gary Soto, who

recently visited UTPA, commented on thesubject when he spoke, saying that Ednais neither a literary critic nor linguist, andis in no position to evaluate rich literature.

“It is a shameful, but expected behaviorfrom an uneducated Dame," Sotocommented. “It's dirty water under thebridge.”

UTPA Professor Sylvia Dominguez, anauthor of various works on Spanishwriters, was also astonished to learn thatthe columnist was not aware of more than2,000 authors including Garcia-Marquez,and philosophers like Juan Ruso, whoseworks have been translated to manydifferent languages.

“If you cannot recognize the giants inthis century," Garza said. "[And] that themajority are Hispanic, you are tooignorant.”

After angry readers e-mailed VanityFair and threaten to boycott the magazine,the editors published an apology throughThe National Association of HispanicJournalists, written by the magazine’s,editor Graydon Carter.

In the apology, the editor first focusedon stating the background on Edna, andhow the responses in the column shouldnot be taken seriously. Soon after, theyapologized, and said they would reprint apublic apology and a number of letters,including one of Hayek herself, in theupcoming April issue.

“We have apologized publicly for theoffense we caused unintentionally -indeed, counter to our intentions,” Carterwrote. “I'm asking those who feeloffended by this piece to forgive us forour insensitivity. It was never, ever ourgoal to disparage or insult any ethnicgroup.”

RESPONSE continued from page 1

someone in the past from there,” Hinojosa said.“The UT System has many schools and collegesin the Valley. But we don’t deny a nominationbased on regions, but we do deny when they lackqualifications.”

The governor has appointed James Huffines ofAustin and Scott Caven of Houston. Since bothcandidates come from large urban areas, Penasaid they will not understand the needs of thepeople in South Texas.

Pena added that a Hispanic would representthe people from the Valley because he/she willappreciate their needs. However, he feels anyonefrom the area will understand the demandsregardless of their ethnicity.

“I have called upon him to appoint peoplefrom the Valley,” Pena said. “I am not telling himwho to choose, I just want someone whocertainly understands the needs of the Valley.”

Because most board members come fromurban areas, Pena feels their must be some typeof diversity on the board. If someone from theValley in appointed, Pena said they will be ableto bring diversity to the UT System.

According to Pena, current board members arecommitted to service, but feels there are otherpeople with the same experiences andqualifications.

“All I am asking for is that the governor havehis deeds matched and have someone reflect thepopulation of Texas,” Pena said. “Deep South

Texas historically has been ignored. He can makea difference and appoint someone who will fightfor the Valley.”

Caven who is the former chair of theMcCombs School of Business Advisory Counciland a member of the UT Chancellors CouncilExecutive Committee, said he has had a lot ofexperience in higher education in the past 12years. Caven has been approved by the SenateNominations Committee but has not yet beenconfirmed as a member of the Board of Regents.

“I plan to spend the first years visiting as manycampuses and learn much as possible,” Cavensaid. “I don’t consider myself as a representativeof Houston, I plan to represent the whole stateand further education.”

To make sure someone from the Valley will beappointed as a board member, Pena said he isputting political pressure on Perry. He saidDemocrats will continue to work withRepublicans to see that they communicate withthe governor on the issue.

However, Bengal said she was not aware ofany political pressure from any governmentofficials and hopes that all areas will berepresented on the Board of Regents.

“I am sure every city or county wants someoneto represent their area,” Bengal said. “We arelooking for people to represent the whole state.”

Hinojosa said nobody from the committeeopposed the nomination of Caven or Huffines.

in.”Rev. David Moreno is the director of the campus

ministry. He is a UTPA graduate and has a master’sin divinity from SMU. He provides personalcounseling and guides the group, but feels that it isimportant for the students to lead the discussionsand take as much control of the organization aspossible.

“Students take priority,” Moreno said. “Theyhave the lead voice. I want to empower them toprovide their own ministry.”

Moreno teaches UMSM that community serviceis important. The members participate in theTrinity Outreach Program in which they offerservice to the community. They work withorganizations such as the Rio Grande Food Bank,Habitat for Humanity, and United Blood Services.They are currently organizing a blood drive forthis semester.

“It is important for the students to understandthat they have a responsibility to the communityand to other human beings,” Moreno said. “That issomething the United Methodist Churchemphasizes.”

According to Moreno, the United MethodistChurch also strongly believes in the Grace of Godwhich can be divided into three categories.

-Previning grace, which teaches that all humanbeings are born with an understanding of God

-Justifying grace, which teaches that JesusChrist’s action of dying on the cross justifieseveryone.

-Sanctifying grace, which maintains peoplethrough out their entire lives and helps themreturn to God if they ever go astray.

For UMSM treasurer Jay Jay Wicke, a juniorbiology major, the organization has served to bringhim closer to God. Wicke has been a Methodist for10 years and decided to join UMSM when herealized that the friends he was hanging out withwere leading him the wrong path.

“The ministry brought me back to God,” Wickesaid. “Coming here is what I needed. They helpedme in my spiritual growth and I have also gainedknowledge about the Bible. I am planning on goingto be a seminarian so that I can I become a pastoror some kind of leader in a church. I realized thatGod was calling me to be his servant.”

Wicke is also a paid peer minister at South TexasCommunity College, where he is starting acontinuation of the UTPA UMSM.

“It is coming along pretty well,” Wicke said. “Itis taking time, but it is growing. Its harder atSTCC because it is a complete commuter school.Soon though we will have it going in full force.”

UMSM allows students from all denominationsto join. April Cavazos, sophomore pre-medbiology major, has been a part of the group forover a year, but is not Methodist. She attendsTrinity Worship Center, which is non-denominational.

“I have never had any problems because I amnot Methodist,” Cavazos said. “I feel verywelcomed. This is such an inviting and friendlyplace. I have learned things that I can apply to mylife. It helps you see things in a different way. Ihave really grown spiritually and affirmed who Iam.”

Erika Muñoz, junior dietetics major, has also hada positive experience being a part of UMSM. Sheis a lifelong Methodist and a member since Fall of1999.

“We are a close group of friends and all loveeach other,” Muñoz said. “I feel like the friendsI’ve made here I will keep the rest of my life.Being a part of the ministry has also strengthenedmy faith and made me a better person. I feel veryblessed to be part of such a wonderful and lovinggroup.”

The United Methodist Church McAllen districtof the Southwest Texas Conference and the UnitedMethodist Church Southern Rio GrandeConference provide a center for the members ofUMSM.

“The center and the organization offer studentsfree food, spiritual nourishment and physicalnourishment,” Liguez said. “Students feel at homeand welcomed.”

Vasquez feel that the center not only provides aplace to hold activities but also gives members asense of belonging and a friendly environment.

“The center provides a place for fellowship, andrelaxation,” Vasquez said. “Everyone is welcomed.We don’t shut the doors on anyone.”

Vasquez, who had never attended a churchbefore joining UMSM attributes his faith in God tothe organization.

“I’m closer to God than I’ve ever been before,”he said. “I am a totally different person, a betterperson. You can ask my friends. It felt right for meto join this group. It was destiny.”

For more information about UMSM contact theorganization at 381-4463 or to find out about thenational organization log on to www.umsm.org.

REGENTS continued from page 1

FAITH continued from page 4

Though the similarities of Latin Americamay sometimes cause American people tostereotype Latin people from Brazil,Venezuela, and other South Americancountries, the differences of tradition, cultureand food do set them apart.

Dr. Rafael Balderrama, University of Texas-Pan American sociology lecturer, addressedthe myth of cultural uniformity Feb. 25 in acampus talk called “Culture Diversity in LatinAmerica.” His talk was part of a lecture seriespresented by the Center for Latin AmericanStudies.

Balderrama lived in Venezuela for 35 yearsand expressed the widely held view of howpeople in Latin America presumably eat thesame foods, believe in the same religion andhave the same traditions as Mexican andMexican American people. He used theexperiences of his life in Venezuela todescribe the differences.

“Many people think I eat tacos and tortillasbecause I am from Venezuela,” Balderramasaid. “I don’t eat tacos. Mexican food is veryspicy.”

He added that the food in Venezuela andother Latin American countries is not spicy.He also said people are mistaken with theirstereotypes; Latin America is more diversethan people realize.

In his lecture, Balderrama said that severallanguages are spoken in Latin America.Though most of the countries speak Spanish,people in Bolivia and Peru speak Quecha andAymara, which are their official languages.People in Argentina speak Italian, French and

German.Balderrama said that different cultures

include different types of people. He said inArgentina and Uruguay there are “gauchos,”similar to a cowboy but with somedifferences. A gaucho herds cattle and horsesjust like a cowboy but wears different hat andattire.

“To capture and tie cattle they use a specialrope called a “boladora” that is made up of ametallic string gathered together,” Balderramasaid. “They also like to drink a lot of“yerbamata” which is a type of tea.”

According to Balderrama, every country inLatin America has developed its own historyand uniqueness.

Pablo Calafiore of Argentina attended thelecture and agrees with the way peopleassume that he eats refried beans and spicyfood such as salsa. He admits that there aresome differences, but also says that LatinAmerica has more similarities than differenceswith Mexican-Americans and Mexicans.

“There is about an 80-percent similarity and20-percent of a difference,” said Calafiore.“There are a lot more common parts in LatinAmerica.”

Calafiore added some of the similarities arethe family values and the corruption of LatinAmerican governments.

Balderrama says that a lot of people do notknow much of Latin America because theyare not taught it. He added that when heteaches an international studies course, he hasto start his course with the geography andhistory of Latin America.

“If people don’t know where everything is,they won’t know what the class is about,”Balderrama said. “It is very diverse.”

By HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American

March 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 11

Few people can honestly say thata film permanently changed theirlife, but after discovering thesweeping beauty of “TheGodfather” at age 14, my own lifebegan to follow a very differentpath.

My childhood dreams ofbecoming a plastic surgeonvanished seemingly overnight. No,I did not decide to pursue a careerin organized crime, but rather onein the film industry, which somemight very well consider a form oforganized crime in itself.

I’ve never been quite certainwhat it was about the mobster genrethat drew me in so deeply, thoughI’d imagine that few of us can argue

with the unique spell cast bymoney, power and Italian food.

Francis Ford Coppola’senthralling saga of the CorleoneFamily is an undisputed classic, buthis trilogy is hardly the first or laststab Hollywood has taken atcreating a gangster picture.

James Cagney brought anOedipal twist to the formula in“White Heat” over half a centurybefore Tony Soprano ever sat in Dr.Melfi’s office to gripe about hismother.

Fans of the genre should checkout “The Public Enemy,” “MeanStreets,” “Goodfellas,” and one ofmy personal favorites - the CoenBrothers’ darkly humorous“Miller’s Crossing.”

Last week one of the summer’smore notable successes, “Road to

Perdition,” hitvideo and DVDshelves, and if youmissed it intheaters, this mightbe a nice way tospend a couple ofhours over theSpring Breakvacation.

Based on acomic book,“Perdition” weavesthe dark, yet

touching tale of Irish hitmanMichael Sullivan, played by TomHanks with the usual brilliancewe’ve come to expect from theactor. Although he didn’t receive asmuch praise for this film as he hasin recent roles, I think hisunderstated performance speaksvolumes, breathing sincere warmthinto a character who might seemutterly cold-hearted to the casualobserver.

The story takes place during theheyday of Chicago crime boss AlCapone, and while Capone mayown Chicago, John Rooney (PaulNewman) is the boss of his ownsmall town. Rooney, we soon learn,has his own son but has also been afather figure for years to Hanks’character, taking him in when hehad no one else to turn to.

It was this show of kindness thateventually ensnared Sullivan,quietly coercing him into a lifetimeof sin. Sullivan’s life is turnedupside down when his eldest sonwitnesses the murder of a localbusinessman at the hands ofRooney’s real son.

This chilling, pivotal eventquickly leads to the murder ofSullivan’s wife and younger son,forcing he and his remaining childto leave home with tear-soaked eyesand vengeful hearts.

What follows can be seen as afather-and-son bonding exercise, abank robbery yarn, a vigilante’squest, or a coming-of-age story.Director Sam Mendes (“AmericanBeauty”) intelligently weaves allthese elements together, thanks notonly to the beautiful score byThomas Newman, but also, mostnotably, by the unbelievablygorgeous, often hauntingcinematography by the late ConradL. Hall. Look for this recentlydeceased master of the medium toreceive a posthumous award onOscar night.

Rounding out the pitch-perfectensemble cast are Jennifer JasonLeigh as Sullivan’s dedicated wife,Jude Law as a remarkably sinisterkiller-for-hire, and finally, but mostespecially, Tyler Hoechlin, whoplays Sullivan’s surviving son,Michael junior, with restrainedintegrity and sincerity.

As a boy thrust into manhood bycircumstances beyond his control,the young Sullivan struggles tounderstand the path his father haschosen, without having to succumbto it.

In the film, Perdition is the nameof the town they’re heading toward,but the word itself means “eternaldamnation,” and the movie, at itscore, is a spiritual tale. As the film

progresses, one can almost read thefear of damnation on the elderSullivan’s face, but it is washedaway by the greater desire forknowing that his son will manageto avoid a similar fate.

While this may seem a bit muchfor your Spring Break viewingpleasure, you should genuinely tryto catch this when you can. Ifnothing else, it would make awonderful Father’s Day gift,whether your dad’s in the mafia ornot.

By KEIL SHULTSThe Pan American

Resident reviewer offers Spring Break alternatives for those stuck indoors

Fathers, sons and Tommyguns

■ Theater workshop 8-9

■ Culture Club . . . . . . 10

■ DVD review . . . . . . 11ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 7

AroundTown

‘Rocky Horror PictureShow’ and ‘Hairspray’March 7-8Place: El Rey Theater, 311S. 17th St., McAllenEvent: The El Rey Theaterpresents the cult classicfilms “Rocky Horror PictureShow” and “Hairspray” aspart of the theater’s “CampNight.”Phone: (956) 971-9825

Starr County Youth FairMarch 7 through 9Place: Starr CountyFairgrounds, U.S. Highway83, Rio Grande City.Event: The fair will featurelivestock, arts & crafts,baked goods, and youthcompetitions. Chick, rabbit,pig and calf scrambles willbe held March 7 andMarch 8. The fair will alsofeature a parade on March8 at 10 a.m. Crossfire willperform March 8 andJaime y Los Chamacoswill play on March 9, bothfrom 8 to 12 p.m.Phone: (956) 383-4974

Guest speakerMarch 10 at 2 p.m.Place: Weslaco BiculturalMuseum, 515 S. Kansas inWeslacoEvent: Weslaco native,artist and Director of theDonna Hooks FletcherMuseum Laura Lincoln willspeak about the BenitezTheater family and peoplewho have contributed tothe Mid-Valley’s Hispanicheritage.Phone: (956) 968-9142

‘Die Another Day’March 21 at 3 and 7 p.m.Place: Student UnionTheaterEvent: Another installmentof the James Bond seriesstarring Pierce Brosnan.

Distinctive flair sets movieapart from other summer

UTPA reacts to ‘Frida’A crowd of students and

professors had different reactions tothe movie “Frida,” starring SalmaHayek.

The movie, based on the life ofMexican painter Frida Kahlo, wasshown Friday at the University ofTexas-Pan American’s StudentUnion Theater.

The film’s screening was part of amovie series that the UniversityProgram Board hosts every Friday at3 and 7 p.m.

Although much speculation andcontroversy surrounded the filmfrom the pre-production phase to thetime it debuted, it was received withgreat enthusiasm by most critics.There were varied reactions in theUTPA audience.

“I don’t think it’s the definitivemovie of Frida Kahlo,” said Dr.Richard E. Phillips, art historian forthe UTPA art department, “I think itmade Frida and Diego [Rivera] toogut-level and popular when theywere more intellectual than what themovie made them out to be.”

Elizabeth Reyes, a UTPAfreshman, thinks the movie was agreat accomplishment aimedespecially for people who, like her,had no previous knowledge aboutKahlo other than that she was apainter.

“I only knew she was a famouspainter who was married to DiegoRivera,” Reyes said. “I learned whyshe is so famous and important inour culture.”

Born on July 6, 1907, Kahloalways lied about being born in 1910as an act of solidarity to thebeginning of the MexicanRevolution. She contracted

poliomyelitis at the age of sevenwhich made it difficult for her towalk. At the age of 15, she was in abus accident that inflicted 11wounds to different parts of herbody.

Regardless of the reaction to thefilm, few could doubt theimportance of Kahlo as an icon inLatin American culture.Paraphernalia with her likeness hasflooded art stores and souvenir shopsat museums and galleries. Her workcan be seen in T-shirts, cups, postersand even seat cushions. Moreover,hundreds of books, articles, andessays have been written about herin several languages.

“[She’s important] in art for hermentality,” said UTPA senior ArlettLomeli. “She brings a whole newview to something that’s so ordinary... she portrays the emotions ofsomebody that was very hurt in themost dramatic way.”

Even though Kahlo was largelyignored for a 25-year period afterher death in 1954, her paintings andlegacy surfaced with a strong forcein the 1980s. Dr. Nancy Moyer,chair of the UTPA art department,believes this was due to the fact shehad no biographer.

“[She] got a biographer way toolate,” she said. “Just like a lot ofother artists. Rembrandt wasn’tknown for 200 years.”

Phillips also attributes the shadowof Rivera’s popularity to Kahlo’speriod of oblivion.

“She was eclipsed by her husbandand other Mexican muralists,” hesaid. “They received plenty ofsupport from the Mexicangovernment so it was difficult forany painter who was not a muralistto be recognized in Mexico at thattime.”

With the newborn craze for Fridaand all that she stood for, manypeople have linked her to theAmerican feminist movement of thelate ’60s and early ’70s. The officialmovie Website describes her as a“political, artistic and sexualrevolutionary.”

Moyer disagrees. She believesKahlo, like all women in the ’30sand ’40s, enjoyed a vast sense offreedom that “closed up in thefifties.”

“[Feminists] could have lookedback for artists that represented whatthey stood for and come acrossKahlo fairly easy,” she said. “Shegot plenty of recognition in her time,even when she wasn’t really lookingfor it. She wasn’t showing her artthat much.”

Both Moyer and Phillips agreethat what makes Kahlo unique and

different from other surrealists is thefact that her artwork represents herpersonal emotions and not fantasystates or intellectual concepts. It wasperhaps her custom of painting herown reality that made her unawareof the type of paintings she wasproducing.

“I never knew I was a surrealistuntil Andre Breton came to Mexicoand told me I was,” Kahlo once said.

Hayek, who portrayed Kahlo inthe film, said in a press conferenceone of the reasons Kahlo isconsidered a feminist might be thatshe “was always ahead of her time.”

Feminist or not, Kahlo has beentightly related to the movement,mainly because of her suffering inlife and the courage with which shefaced it.

“She had a broken body but anindestructible mind,” Hayek said.

By LUIS E. SAAVEDRAThe Pan American

Salma Hayek portrays Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in the film ‘Frida,’ shownrecently on campus in the Student Union Theater.

Special to The Pan American

Group gaining membership

The Asociacion Culturalde Teatro Universitario enEspanol (ACTUE) wasnearly nonexistent lastsemester. But things arelooking up for the Spanishdrama group this year.

“Last semester we startedwith a very large group andit turned into a very smallgroup,” said LisbethGonzalez, a five-yearmember and ACTUEsecretary. “This semester westarted with a very smallgroup and we’re getting

bigger.”Today, there are over 20

members involved inACTUE and its membershipcontinues to grow.

“Right now, we’re givingout pamphlets and we’retrying to get more peoplefrom our own classes tojoin,” said ACTUE PresidentMelissa Martinez.

The organization’spurpose is to promotedrama, poetry, recitals,readings, and theater inSpanish. In eight years it hashelped bring many shows tocampus, including works byfamous Mexican playwright

Gabriel Garcia-Lorca. “He’s our favorite and we

often like to use his work,”Gonzalez said.

Members of the club usethe organization to inspireother students and membersof the community toembrace Spanish culture.

“We like to travel andhelp other people. It’s abenefit for people who don’tknow Spanish and it helpsus communicate with otherpeople from other cultures,”said Dr. Ninfa Kohler,ACTUE adviser.

Every year ACTUE raisesmoney to take cultural trips

to places like Mexico. OnFeb. 27 the group set up abake sale to raise money foran eventual trip to Mexico.On these trips the groupvisits places like museums,universities, and historicalbuildings, among othertourist spots.

“We do trips to Mexicoand have some trips here inthe states, but mostly we dotravel to Mexico,” Kohlersaid. “For every trip that wemake, we usually make apoint to visit historicalplaces as well as places that

By AARON LOZANOThe Pan American

It’s a benefit forpeople whodon’t know

Spanish and ithelps us

communicatewith other

people fromother cultures. “

“

- Dr. Ninfa Kohler,ACTUE adviser

See ACTUE page 10

March 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 10

promote culture.” They also do performances on the road, sometimes

across the border. “We like to take our plays to other places like

Brownsville, Reynosa and San Antonio. We presentthem to the universities there and the public,” Kohlersaid.

ACTUE is even considering holding recitals for theInternational Cultural Night at the Fine ArtsAuditorium March 7 at 7 p.m. Presentations like thesehelp members grow comfortable in front of audiences.

“When I did my first presentation, I was so nervous.I’ve always been shy,” said Martinez. “Eventually, Ilearned to be more comfortable with the stage. Now,I’m even performing some of my own original work.”

Even though the organization stresses the use of theSpanish language, members are not required to knowit.

“There are a lot of people in ACTUE that don’tknow Spanish and they’ve learned to recite poetry inSpanish very well. It’s not required,” Gonzalez said.

The only requirement to join the club is to be aUTPA student, according to Kohler. Those interestedin joining ACTUE are welcome to attend meetingswhich are held every Thursday in COAS 349 at noon.

“Students can participate by being in plays andlearning to speak Spanish,” Kohler said.

ACTUE continued from page 7

There are a lot of people inACTUE that don’t know

Spanish and they’velearned to recite poetry in

Spanish very well.

“

“- Lisbeth Gonzalez, ACTUE secretary

More than 500 people areexpected to attend Friday’shighly anticipatedInternational Cultural Nightin the Fine Arts Auditoriumat 7 p.m.

This marks the secondtime the InternationalStudent Association (ISA)has held the event, whichpresents cultures from allover the world.

“Our first one was a hugesuccess. That is the mainreason our organization isholding this second one,”said ISA Vice PresidentSergio Marcelo Roitber. “Itwill be in a big musical,international environment.”

“We have internationalstudents presenting fromplaces like Tanzania, Turkey,Argentina, Mexico,Germany, Norway, India,China and many more,”Roitber said.

Audience members canexpect dances, music, andrecitals from studentsbelonging to the association,which is composed of about

30 students from across theglobe.

Although the majority ofgroup members areinternational students,Americans are alsoencouraged to join the club,according to Roitber.

“Not many Americanscome because they think it’sonly for foreign people, butwe would like to see moreAmericans because this is aglobal club,” Roitber said.

The international groupparticipates in several eventsaround campus year-round,including the intramuralsports program. It holdsinternational days everyother Friday at which agroup of students from acertain country plays host.

“We also have severalinformal, unofficial groupactivities like birthdayparties, get-togethers andsometimes we go out andmeet at [a restaurant],”Roitber.

Spreading culturalexperiences around campusis the group’s ideal goal,according to ActivitiesCoordinator Kighoma

Mwizarubi. “It’s a good moment for

people to know what’s goingon in different countriesaround the world,”Mwizarubi said. “You needto know about these differentcountries.”

It is through events likethe International CulturalNight that these studentshope to evoke culturalawareness in others.

“There are good peopleand bad people in allcultures, but it’s alwaysimportant to know and beaware of these differentcultures,” Roitber said. “Iencourage people to go. Infact, there will be a littlesurprise there that is notmentioned in the fliers.”

Tickets for the event canbe purchased at the door for$5 or for $4 on Thursday bycalling 381-3396 and pickingthem up in the Businessbuilding, room 232.

Students wanting to learnmore about the InternationalStudent Association can visitthe group’s website atwww.angelfire.com/tx6/isapanam/

Cultural eventreturns to UTPABy AARON LOZANOThe Pan American

U.S.A.

Thailand

Cuba

Italy

Dominican Republic

Arabia

Mexico

Intermission

France

Haiti/Bangladesh

Spain

Argentina

Fashion Show

Brazil

EVENTSCHEDULE

March 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 9March 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 8

The University of Texas Pan-American offers the possibility tocome and experience amulticultural adventure by beingpart of the Saint-Benoit TheatreWorkshop.

The workshop takes place inthe small village of Saint-Benoit-du-Sault in Berry, France.

Participants gather under thesame roof for three weeks and asapprentice comedians andwriters, then to write andperform a play. The play "A quoica rime!" was staged andperformed at the end of thesummer festival of Saint-Benoiton July 26 and 28, 2002.

Last year's students wereKenny Montgomery, TheresaCasanova, who are graduate

students, and Valentin Guerra, atheatre major. Casanovamentioned all of the participantsreceived a partial scholarshipfrom the French government andthe Berry Region which coveredlodging and meal expenses, plusfare from Paris to Saint toBenoit. Students had to pay only$250.

Saint-Benoit-du-Sault is amedieval village consideredamong the most beautiful inFrance. The surrounding arealooks like the Texas Hill Countryand the village lies on the top ofa hill and on the slopes of a smallbrook, the Portefeuille.

The town, including stonehouses, narrow streets, hangingflowers on each windows oroutside the walls, old finelycarved wooden doors, and animposing medieval city gate builtaround the houses called LePortail, that was built in the year1000 around a still-standingPriory and its fortifications.

In the distance, the castleMontgarnaud stands out with itsRomanesque architecture on theother side of the river.

THE WORK

The workshop schedule isintensive and consists of warm-up exercises and improvisationpractices in the morning; craftingof masks after lunch; diction andtext practice in the afternoon;stage and play practices in theevening.

The training and practices takeplace in different locations,including the city hall ofexhibitions, "Salle Brassen," anelementary school gymnasium,junior high classrooms anddining hall, parks, and city

squares. The residents of thevillage are invited to join, andthe invitation has been popularamong children, teenagers, andadults.

"This was the first time I wasinvolved in acting andnevertheless enjoyed it to thefullest," Casanova said. "Theambiance that was created duringthe training; the cooperation thateveryone expressed; theirwillingness to participate andengage themselves in theimprovisations, recitation ofpoems and texts, or in thedifferent practices was verymoving."

Aside from the workshop,representing one of the finesttheaters in France, travelingstudents can experience theuniqueness of French people.

The Saint-Benoit TheatreWorkshop is organized by theCenter for Artistic Creation,founded by Jean-Marc Luneau, ayoung Parisian director. The

Center for Artistic Creation wasformed four years ago with theintention of promoting andencouraging new theatreproductions and reuniting youngwriters, stage directors,comedians, and apprenticecomedians.

The workshop is part of the“Grand Theatre,” a combinationof professional comedians andstudents. This program is aidedby Dr. Stella Behar, a native ofParis who has been a Frenchprofessor at UTPA for 10 years.

Behar works hard to administerthe Saint-Benoit Workshop andenable UTPA students toexperience and merge with theFrench culture. The goal is tocreate a constant flow ofexchanges between the Center’sparticipants and the citizens ofSaint-Benoit.

“I find very interesting that theentire town was involved: themayor, families, businesses andshopkeepers,” Montgomery said.“The workshop became for menot only a learning experience inthe theatre but in what can be asuccessful immersion of a groupof outsiders in a small town, itsfusion and integration into thepopulation.”

For each of the Rio GrandeValley ambassadors, the traininghas been a personal, life-learningexperience. The live-in status ofthe Center's participants formed abrotherhood lesson.

"The environment that hasbeen created between thecomedians and the level offriendship developed," Guerrasaid. "I find that we are not onlyworking and living together, weare closer than friends, and weare becoming brothers andsisters."

By PIERRE CANTUThe Pan American

CD: “Un Dia Normal” by JuanesMovie: “The Wedding Planner”Website: quickinspirations.com

CD: “Audioslave” by AudioslaveMovie: “Lilo & Stitch”Book: “Our Dumb Century” by The Onion staff

CD: Tidewater GrainMovie: “The Fifth Element”Book: “Anne of Green Gables” by L. M. Montgomery

Jesus BeltranSeniorJournalism

Jason ChapaSophomoreCommunications

Vanessa DominguezJuniorNursing

CULTURE CLUBWhat students like to read, listen to and surf.

The

From left to right, Theresa Casanova, Kenny Montgomery, Dr. Stella Behar and Valentin Guerra, who tookpart in the Saint-Benoit Theatre Workshop last year, try to find their way around the city.

I find veryinteresting thatthe entire townwas involved:

the mayor,families,

businesses andshopkeepers. “

“

- Kenny Montgomery,workshop participant

Special to The Pan American

Special to The Pan American

(Below) - Graduate studentTheresa Casanova paints amask for the Saint-BenoitTheatre Workshop.Casanova was one of threestudents who receivedpartial scholarships fromthe French government topay for the trip and otherexpenses.

BORDERFESTEVENTS

■ Oscar MayerWeinermobile - March8 from noon to 9 p.m.

■ Viva EspañaExperience - March 6-9

■ Grande Parade -March 8, Harley BikeParade starts at 9:45a.m., Grand Paradestarts at 10 a.m.

■ Wine andInternational BeerTesting - March 6-7from 6 to 11 p.m., March8 from noon to midnight,March 9 from noon to 11p.m.

■ Carnival - March 6-7from 6 to 10 p.m., March8-9 from noon to 10p.m.

■ Nightly Parades -March 6-9 at 7 p.m.

■ Harley Bike Show -March 8 from noon to 6p.m.

■ Car and Truck Show- March 9 from noon to6 p.m.

■ Arts and Crafts -March 6-7 from 6 to 10p.m., March 8-9 fromnoon to 10 p.m.

March 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 9March 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 8

The University of Texas Pan-American offers the possibility tocome and experience amulticultural adventure by beingpart of the Saint-Benoit TheatreWorkshop.

The workshop takes place inthe small village of Saint-Benoit-du-Sault in Berry, France.

Participants gather under thesame roof for three weeks and asapprentice comedians andwriters, then to write andperform a play. The play "A quoica rime!" was staged andperformed at the end of thesummer festival of Saint-Benoiton July 26 and 28, 2002.

Last year's students wereKenny Montgomery, TheresaCasanova, who are graduate

students, and Valentin Guerra, atheatre major. Casanovamentioned all of the participantsreceived a partial scholarshipfrom the French government andthe Berry Region which coveredlodging and meal expenses, plusfare from Paris to Saint toBenoit. Students had to pay only$250.

Saint-Benoit-du-Sault is amedieval village consideredamong the most beautiful inFrance. The surrounding arealooks like the Texas Hill Countryand the village lies on the top ofa hill and on the slopes of a smallbrook, the Portefeuille.

The town, including stonehouses, narrow streets, hangingflowers on each windows oroutside the walls, old finelycarved wooden doors, and animposing medieval city gate builtaround the houses called LePortail, that was built in the year1000 around a still-standingPriory and its fortifications.

In the distance, the castleMontgarnaud stands out with itsRomanesque architecture on theother side of the river.

THE WORK

The workshop schedule isintensive and consists of warm-up exercises and improvisationpractices in the morning; craftingof masks after lunch; diction andtext practice in the afternoon;stage and play practices in theevening.

The training and practices takeplace in different locations,including the city hall ofexhibitions, "Salle Brassen," anelementary school gymnasium,junior high classrooms anddining hall, parks, and city

squares. The residents of thevillage are invited to join, andthe invitation has been popularamong children, teenagers, andadults.

"This was the first time I wasinvolved in acting andnevertheless enjoyed it to thefullest," Casanova said. "Theambiance that was created duringthe training; the cooperation thateveryone expressed; theirwillingness to participate andengage themselves in theimprovisations, recitation ofpoems and texts, or in thedifferent practices was verymoving."

Aside from the workshop,representing one of the finesttheaters in France, travelingstudents can experience theuniqueness of French people.

The Saint-Benoit TheatreWorkshop is organized by theCenter for Artistic Creation,founded by Jean-Marc Luneau, ayoung Parisian director. The

Center for Artistic Creation wasformed four years ago with theintention of promoting andencouraging new theatreproductions and reuniting youngwriters, stage directors,comedians, and apprenticecomedians.

The workshop is part of the“Grand Theatre,” a combinationof professional comedians andstudents. This program is aidedby Dr. Stella Behar, a native ofParis who has been a Frenchprofessor at UTPA for 10 years.

Behar works hard to administerthe Saint-Benoit Workshop andenable UTPA students toexperience and merge with theFrench culture. The goal is tocreate a constant flow ofexchanges between the Center’sparticipants and the citizens ofSaint-Benoit.

“I find very interesting that theentire town was involved: themayor, families, businesses andshopkeepers,” Montgomery said.“The workshop became for menot only a learning experience inthe theatre but in what can be asuccessful immersion of a groupof outsiders in a small town, itsfusion and integration into thepopulation.”

For each of the Rio GrandeValley ambassadors, the traininghas been a personal, life-learningexperience. The live-in status ofthe Center's participants formed abrotherhood lesson.

"The environment that hasbeen created between thecomedians and the level offriendship developed," Guerrasaid. "I find that we are not onlyworking and living together, weare closer than friends, and weare becoming brothers andsisters."

By PIERRE CANTUThe Pan American

CD: “Un Dia Normal” by JuanesMovie: “The Wedding Planner”Website: quickinspirations.com

CD: “Audioslave” by AudioslaveMovie: “Lilo & Stitch”Book: “Our Dumb Century” by The Onion staff

CD: Tidewater GrainMovie: “The Fifth Element”Book: “Anne of Green Gables” by L. M. Montgomery

Jesus BeltranSeniorJournalism

Jason ChapaSophomoreCommunications

Vanessa DominguezJuniorNursing

CULTURE CLUBWhat students like to read, listen to and surf.

The

From left to right, Theresa Casanova, Kenny Montgomery, Dr. Stella Behar and Valentin Guerra, who tookpart in the Saint-Benoit Theatre Workshop last year, try to find their way around the city.

I find veryinteresting thatthe entire townwas involved:

the mayor,families,

businesses andshopkeepers. “

“

- Kenny Montgomery,workshop participant

Special to The Pan American

Special to The Pan American

(Below) - Graduate studentTheresa Casanova paints amask for the Saint-BenoitTheatre Workshop.Casanova was one of threestudents who receivedpartial scholarships fromthe French government topay for the trip and otherexpenses.

BORDERFESTEVENTS

■ Oscar MayerWeinermobile - March8 from noon to 9 p.m.

■ Viva EspañaExperience - March 6-9

■ Grande Parade -March 8, Harley BikeParade starts at 9:45a.m., Grand Paradestarts at 10 a.m.

■ Wine andInternational BeerTesting - March 6-7from 6 to 11 p.m., March8 from noon to midnight,March 9 from noon to 11p.m.

■ Carnival - March 6-7from 6 to 10 p.m., March8-9 from noon to 10p.m.

■ Nightly Parades -March 6-9 at 7 p.m.

■ Harley Bike Show -March 8 from noon to 6p.m.

■ Car and Truck Show- March 9 from noon to6 p.m.

■ Arts and Crafts -March 6-7 from 6 to 10p.m., March 8-9 fromnoon to 10 p.m.

■ Theater workshop 8-9

■ Culture Club . . . . . . 10

■ DVD review . . . . . . 11ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 7

AroundTown

‘Rocky Horror PictureShow’ and ‘Hairspray’March 7-8Place: El Rey Theater, 311S. 17th St., McAllenEvent: The El Rey Theaterpresents the cult classicfilms “Rocky Horror PictureShow” and “Hairspray” aspart of the theater’s “CampNight.”Phone: (956) 971-9825

Starr County Youth FairMarch 7 through 9Place: Starr CountyFairgrounds, U.S. Highway83, Rio Grande City.Event: The fair will featurelivestock, arts & crafts,baked goods, and youthcompetitions. Chick, rabbit,pig and calf scrambles willbe held March 7 andMarch 8. The fair will alsofeature a parade on March8 at 10 a.m. Crossfire willperform March 8 andJaime y Los Chamacoswill play on March 9, bothfrom 8 to 12 p.m.Phone: (956) 383-4974

Guest speakerMarch 10 at 2 p.m.Place: Weslaco BiculturalMuseum, 515 S. Kansas inWeslacoEvent: Weslaco native,artist and Director of theDonna Hooks FletcherMuseum Laura Lincoln willspeak about the BenitezTheater family and peoplewho have contributed tothe Mid-Valley’s Hispanicheritage.Phone: (956) 968-9142

‘Die Another Day’March 21 at 3 and 7 p.m.Place: Student UnionTheaterEvent: Another installmentof the James Bond seriesstarring Pierce Brosnan.

Distinctive flair sets movieapart from other summer

UTPA reacts to ‘Frida’A crowd of students and

professors had different reactions tothe movie “Frida,” starring SalmaHayek.

The movie, based on the life ofMexican painter Frida Kahlo, wasshown Friday at the University ofTexas-Pan American’s StudentUnion Theater.

The film’s screening was part of amovie series that the UniversityProgram Board hosts every Friday at3 and 7 p.m.

Although much speculation andcontroversy surrounded the filmfrom the pre-production phase to thetime it debuted, it was received withgreat enthusiasm by most critics.There were varied reactions in theUTPA audience.

“I don’t think it’s the definitivemovie of Frida Kahlo,” said Dr.Richard E. Phillips, art historian forthe UTPA art department, “I think itmade Frida and Diego [Rivera] toogut-level and popular when theywere more intellectual than what themovie made them out to be.”

Elizabeth Reyes, a UTPAfreshman, thinks the movie was agreat accomplishment aimedespecially for people who, like her,had no previous knowledge aboutKahlo other than that she was apainter.

“I only knew she was a famouspainter who was married to DiegoRivera,” Reyes said. “I learned whyshe is so famous and important inour culture.”

Born on July 6, 1907, Kahloalways lied about being born in 1910as an act of solidarity to thebeginning of the MexicanRevolution. She contracted

poliomyelitis at the age of sevenwhich made it difficult for her towalk. At the age of 15, she was in abus accident that inflicted 11wounds to different parts of herbody.

Regardless of the reaction to thefilm, few could doubt theimportance of Kahlo as an icon inLatin American culture.Paraphernalia with her likeness hasflooded art stores and souvenir shopsat museums and galleries. Her workcan be seen in T-shirts, cups, postersand even seat cushions. Moreover,hundreds of books, articles, andessays have been written about herin several languages.

“[She’s important] in art for hermentality,” said UTPA senior ArlettLomeli. “She brings a whole newview to something that’s so ordinary... she portrays the emotions ofsomebody that was very hurt in themost dramatic way.”

Even though Kahlo was largelyignored for a 25-year period afterher death in 1954, her paintings andlegacy surfaced with a strong forcein the 1980s. Dr. Nancy Moyer,chair of the UTPA art department,believes this was due to the fact shehad no biographer.

“[She] got a biographer way toolate,” she said. “Just like a lot ofother artists. Rembrandt wasn’tknown for 200 years.”

Phillips also attributes the shadowof Rivera’s popularity to Kahlo’speriod of oblivion.

“She was eclipsed by her husbandand other Mexican muralists,” hesaid. “They received plenty ofsupport from the Mexicangovernment so it was difficult forany painter who was not a muralistto be recognized in Mexico at thattime.”

With the newborn craze for Fridaand all that she stood for, manypeople have linked her to theAmerican feminist movement of thelate ’60s and early ’70s. The officialmovie Website describes her as a“political, artistic and sexualrevolutionary.”

Moyer disagrees. She believesKahlo, like all women in the ’30sand ’40s, enjoyed a vast sense offreedom that “closed up in thefifties.”

“[Feminists] could have lookedback for artists that represented whatthey stood for and come acrossKahlo fairly easy,” she said. “Shegot plenty of recognition in her time,even when she wasn’t really lookingfor it. She wasn’t showing her artthat much.”

Both Moyer and Phillips agreethat what makes Kahlo unique and

different from other surrealists is thefact that her artwork represents herpersonal emotions and not fantasystates or intellectual concepts. It wasperhaps her custom of painting herown reality that made her unawareof the type of paintings she wasproducing.

“I never knew I was a surrealistuntil Andre Breton came to Mexicoand told me I was,” Kahlo once said.

Hayek, who portrayed Kahlo inthe film, said in a press conferenceone of the reasons Kahlo isconsidered a feminist might be thatshe “was always ahead of her time.”

Feminist or not, Kahlo has beentightly related to the movement,mainly because of her suffering inlife and the courage with which shefaced it.

“She had a broken body but anindestructible mind,” Hayek said.

By LUIS E. SAAVEDRAThe Pan American

Salma Hayek portrays Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in the film ‘Frida,’ shownrecently on campus in the Student Union Theater.

Special to The Pan American

Group gaining membership

The Asociacion Culturalde Teatro Universitario enEspanol (ACTUE) wasnearly nonexistent lastsemester. But things arelooking up for the Spanishdrama group this year.

“Last semester we startedwith a very large group andit turned into a very smallgroup,” said LisbethGonzalez, a five-yearmember and ACTUEsecretary. “This semester westarted with a very smallgroup and we’re getting

bigger.”Today, there are over 20

members involved inACTUE and its membershipcontinues to grow.

“Right now, we’re givingout pamphlets and we’retrying to get more peoplefrom our own classes tojoin,” said ACTUE PresidentMelissa Martinez.

The organization’spurpose is to promotedrama, poetry, recitals,readings, and theater inSpanish. In eight years it hashelped bring many shows tocampus, including works byfamous Mexican playwright

Gabriel Garcia-Lorca. “He’s our favorite and we

often like to use his work,”Gonzalez said.

Members of the club usethe organization to inspireother students and membersof the community toembrace Spanish culture.

“We like to travel andhelp other people. It’s abenefit for people who don’tknow Spanish and it helpsus communicate with otherpeople from other cultures,”said Dr. Ninfa Kohler,ACTUE adviser.

Every year ACTUE raisesmoney to take cultural trips

to places like Mexico. OnFeb. 27 the group set up abake sale to raise money foran eventual trip to Mexico.On these trips the groupvisits places like museums,universities, and historicalbuildings, among othertourist spots.

“We do trips to Mexicoand have some trips here inthe states, but mostly we dotravel to Mexico,” Kohlersaid. “For every trip that wemake, we usually make apoint to visit historicalplaces as well as places that

By AARON LOZANOThe Pan American

It’s a benefit forpeople whodon’t know

Spanish and ithelps us

communicatewith other

people fromother cultures. “

“

- Dr. Ninfa Kohler,ACTUE adviser

See ACTUE page 10

March 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 10

promote culture.” They also do performances on the road, sometimes

across the border. “We like to take our plays to other places like

Brownsville, Reynosa and San Antonio. We presentthem to the universities there and the public,” Kohlersaid.

ACTUE is even considering holding recitals for theInternational Cultural Night at the Fine ArtsAuditorium March 7 at 7 p.m. Presentations like thesehelp members grow comfortable in front of audiences.

“When I did my first presentation, I was so nervous.I’ve always been shy,” said Martinez. “Eventually, Ilearned to be more comfortable with the stage. Now,I’m even performing some of my own original work.”

Even though the organization stresses the use of theSpanish language, members are not required to knowit.

“There are a lot of people in ACTUE that don’tknow Spanish and they’ve learned to recite poetry inSpanish very well. It’s not required,” Gonzalez said.

The only requirement to join the club is to be aUTPA student, according to Kohler. Those interestedin joining ACTUE are welcome to attend meetingswhich are held every Thursday in COAS 349 at noon.

“Students can participate by being in plays andlearning to speak Spanish,” Kohler said.

ACTUE continued from page 7

There are a lot of people inACTUE that don’t know

Spanish and they’velearned to recite poetry in

Spanish very well.

“

“- Lisbeth Gonzalez, ACTUE secretary

More than 500 people areexpected to attend Friday’shighly anticipatedInternational Cultural Nightin the Fine Arts Auditoriumat 7 p.m.

This marks the secondtime the InternationalStudent Association (ISA)has held the event, whichpresents cultures from allover the world.

“Our first one was a hugesuccess. That is the mainreason our organization isholding this second one,”said ISA Vice PresidentSergio Marcelo Roitber. “Itwill be in a big musical,international environment.”

“We have internationalstudents presenting fromplaces like Tanzania, Turkey,Argentina, Mexico,Germany, Norway, India,China and many more,”Roitber said.

Audience members canexpect dances, music, andrecitals from studentsbelonging to the association,which is composed of about

30 students from across theglobe.

Although the majority ofgroup members areinternational students,Americans are alsoencouraged to join the club,according to Roitber.

“Not many Americanscome because they think it’sonly for foreign people, butwe would like to see moreAmericans because this is aglobal club,” Roitber said.

The international groupparticipates in several eventsaround campus year-round,including the intramuralsports program. It holdsinternational days everyother Friday at which agroup of students from acertain country plays host.

“We also have severalinformal, unofficial groupactivities like birthdayparties, get-togethers andsometimes we go out andmeet at [a restaurant],”Roitber.

Spreading culturalexperiences around campusis the group’s ideal goal,according to ActivitiesCoordinator Kighoma

Mwizarubi. “It’s a good moment for

people to know what’s goingon in different countriesaround the world,”Mwizarubi said. “You needto know about these differentcountries.”

It is through events likethe International CulturalNight that these studentshope to evoke culturalawareness in others.

“There are good peopleand bad people in allcultures, but it’s alwaysimportant to know and beaware of these differentcultures,” Roitber said. “Iencourage people to go. Infact, there will be a littlesurprise there that is notmentioned in the fliers.”

Tickets for the event canbe purchased at the door for$5 or for $4 on Thursday bycalling 381-3396 and pickingthem up in the Businessbuilding, room 232.

Students wanting to learnmore about the InternationalStudent Association can visitthe group’s website atwww.angelfire.com/tx6/isapanam/

Cultural eventreturns to UTPABy AARON LOZANOThe Pan American

U.S.A.

Thailand

Cuba

Italy

Dominican Republic

Arabia

Mexico

Intermission

France

Haiti/Bangladesh

Spain

Argentina

Fashion Show

Brazil

EVENTSCHEDULE

March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 6

Diversity detailed

Hollywood following Edna's offensivepiece.

The League of United Latin AmericanCitizens (LULAC), and other Latinogroups are planning to boycott VanityFair, and are demanding the apology aswell. In a Feb. 6 press release, LULACsaid Edna insulted 37 million Latinos inthe United States.

Maria Elena Salinas, of NoticieroUnivision, wrote an article stating that afew laughs are not worth offendingmillions of people. She also added thatSpanish is the second-most spokenlanguage in the world.

“t would be beneficial for everyone tolearn how to speak one of the richest, andmost beautiful languages on Earth,”Salinas wrote. “And be able tocommunicate with the more than 400million native Spanish speakers in theworld.”

Salinas added that Edna might bemake-believe, but nothing about herremarks in this particular column wasfictional.

“Hispanics are the fastest-growingethnic group in the United States, [and]their purchasing power is estimated to beabove $600 billion," she wrote. "Soinstead of insulting Latinos, Vanity Fairshould consider publishing its magazinesin Spanish, and that is no joke."

The topic of Spanish literary works nothaving sufficient quality to be worthreading was also addressed by severalpetitioners. Maldonado stated that if Ednawere educated or cultured she wouldknow Hispanic Nobel Prize Winners likeOctavio Paz and Gabriel Garcia-Marquez,to name a few.

Hispanic author Gary Soto, who

recently visited UTPA, commented on thesubject when he spoke, saying that Ednais neither a literary critic nor linguist, andis in no position to evaluate rich literature.

“It is a shameful, but expected behaviorfrom an uneducated Dame," Sotocommented. “It's dirty water under thebridge.”

UTPA Professor Sylvia Dominguez, anauthor of various works on Spanishwriters, was also astonished to learn thatthe columnist was not aware of more than2,000 authors including Garcia-Marquez,and philosophers like Juan Ruso, whoseworks have been translated to manydifferent languages.

“If you cannot recognize the giants inthis century," Garza said. "[And] that themajority are Hispanic, you are tooignorant.”

After angry readers e-mailed VanityFair and threaten to boycott the magazine,the editors published an apology throughThe National Association of HispanicJournalists, written by the magazine’s,editor Graydon Carter.

In the apology, the editor first focusedon stating the background on Edna, andhow the responses in the column shouldnot be taken seriously. Soon after, theyapologized, and said they would reprint apublic apology and a number of letters,including one of Hayek herself, in theupcoming April issue.

“We have apologized publicly for theoffense we caused unintentionally -indeed, counter to our intentions,” Carterwrote. “I'm asking those who feeloffended by this piece to forgive us forour insensitivity. It was never, ever ourgoal to disparage or insult any ethnicgroup.”

RESPONSE continued from page 1

someone in the past from there,” Hinojosa said.“The UT System has many schools and collegesin the Valley. But we don’t deny a nominationbased on regions, but we do deny when they lackqualifications.”

The governor has appointed James Huffines ofAustin and Scott Caven of Houston. Since bothcandidates come from large urban areas, Penasaid they will not understand the needs of thepeople in South Texas.

Pena added that a Hispanic would representthe people from the Valley because he/she willappreciate their needs. However, he feels anyonefrom the area will understand the demandsregardless of their ethnicity.

“I have called upon him to appoint peoplefrom the Valley,” Pena said. “I am not telling himwho to choose, I just want someone whocertainly understands the needs of the Valley.”

Because most board members come fromurban areas, Pena feels their must be some typeof diversity on the board. If someone from theValley in appointed, Pena said they will be ableto bring diversity to the UT System.

According to Pena, current board members arecommitted to service, but feels there are otherpeople with the same experiences andqualifications.

“All I am asking for is that the governor havehis deeds matched and have someone reflect thepopulation of Texas,” Pena said. “Deep South

Texas historically has been ignored. He can makea difference and appoint someone who will fightfor the Valley.”

Caven who is the former chair of theMcCombs School of Business Advisory Counciland a member of the UT Chancellors CouncilExecutive Committee, said he has had a lot ofexperience in higher education in the past 12years. Caven has been approved by the SenateNominations Committee but has not yet beenconfirmed as a member of the Board of Regents.

“I plan to spend the first years visiting as manycampuses and learn much as possible,” Cavensaid. “I don’t consider myself as a representativeof Houston, I plan to represent the whole stateand further education.”

To make sure someone from the Valley will beappointed as a board member, Pena said he isputting political pressure on Perry. He saidDemocrats will continue to work withRepublicans to see that they communicate withthe governor on the issue.

However, Bengal said she was not aware ofany political pressure from any governmentofficials and hopes that all areas will berepresented on the Board of Regents.

“I am sure every city or county wants someoneto represent their area,” Bengal said. “We arelooking for people to represent the whole state.”

Hinojosa said nobody from the committeeopposed the nomination of Caven or Huffines.

in.”Rev. David Moreno is the director of the campus

ministry. He is a UTPA graduate and has a master’sin divinity from SMU. He provides personalcounseling and guides the group, but feels that it isimportant for the students to lead the discussionsand take as much control of the organization aspossible.

“Students take priority,” Moreno said. “Theyhave the lead voice. I want to empower them toprovide their own ministry.”

Moreno teaches UMSM that community serviceis important. The members participate in theTrinity Outreach Program in which they offerservice to the community. They work withorganizations such as the Rio Grande Food Bank,Habitat for Humanity, and United Blood Services.They are currently organizing a blood drive forthis semester.

“It is important for the students to understandthat they have a responsibility to the communityand to other human beings,” Moreno said. “That issomething the United Methodist Churchemphasizes.”

According to Moreno, the United MethodistChurch also strongly believes in the Grace of Godwhich can be divided into three categories.

-Previning grace, which teaches that all humanbeings are born with an understanding of God

-Justifying grace, which teaches that JesusChrist’s action of dying on the cross justifieseveryone.

-Sanctifying grace, which maintains peoplethrough out their entire lives and helps themreturn to God if they ever go astray.

For UMSM treasurer Jay Jay Wicke, a juniorbiology major, the organization has served to bringhim closer to God. Wicke has been a Methodist for10 years and decided to join UMSM when herealized that the friends he was hanging out withwere leading him the wrong path.

“The ministry brought me back to God,” Wickesaid. “Coming here is what I needed. They helpedme in my spiritual growth and I have also gainedknowledge about the Bible. I am planning on goingto be a seminarian so that I can I become a pastoror some kind of leader in a church. I realized thatGod was calling me to be his servant.”

Wicke is also a paid peer minister at South TexasCommunity College, where he is starting acontinuation of the UTPA UMSM.

“It is coming along pretty well,” Wicke said. “Itis taking time, but it is growing. Its harder atSTCC because it is a complete commuter school.Soon though we will have it going in full force.”

UMSM allows students from all denominationsto join. April Cavazos, sophomore pre-medbiology major, has been a part of the group forover a year, but is not Methodist. She attendsTrinity Worship Center, which is non-denominational.

“I have never had any problems because I amnot Methodist,” Cavazos said. “I feel verywelcomed. This is such an inviting and friendlyplace. I have learned things that I can apply to mylife. It helps you see things in a different way. Ihave really grown spiritually and affirmed who Iam.”

Erika Muñoz, junior dietetics major, has also hada positive experience being a part of UMSM. Sheis a lifelong Methodist and a member since Fall of1999.

“We are a close group of friends and all loveeach other,” Muñoz said. “I feel like the friendsI’ve made here I will keep the rest of my life.Being a part of the ministry has also strengthenedmy faith and made me a better person. I feel veryblessed to be part of such a wonderful and lovinggroup.”

The United Methodist Church McAllen districtof the Southwest Texas Conference and the UnitedMethodist Church Southern Rio GrandeConference provide a center for the members ofUMSM.

“The center and the organization offer studentsfree food, spiritual nourishment and physicalnourishment,” Liguez said. “Students feel at homeand welcomed.”

Vasquez feel that the center not only provides aplace to hold activities but also gives members asense of belonging and a friendly environment.

“The center provides a place for fellowship, andrelaxation,” Vasquez said. “Everyone is welcomed.We don’t shut the doors on anyone.”

Vasquez, who had never attended a churchbefore joining UMSM attributes his faith in God tothe organization.

“I’m closer to God than I’ve ever been before,”he said. “I am a totally different person, a betterperson. You can ask my friends. It felt right for meto join this group. It was destiny.”

For more information about UMSM contact theorganization at 381-4463 or to find out about thenational organization log on to www.umsm.org.

REGENTS continued from page 1

FAITH continued from page 4

Though the similarities of Latin Americamay sometimes cause American people tostereotype Latin people from Brazil,Venezuela, and other South Americancountries, the differences of tradition, cultureand food do set them apart.

Dr. Rafael Balderrama, University of Texas-Pan American sociology lecturer, addressedthe myth of cultural uniformity Feb. 25 in acampus talk called “Culture Diversity in LatinAmerica.” His talk was part of a lecture seriespresented by the Center for Latin AmericanStudies.

Balderrama lived in Venezuela for 35 yearsand expressed the widely held view of howpeople in Latin America presumably eat thesame foods, believe in the same religion andhave the same traditions as Mexican andMexican American people. He used theexperiences of his life in Venezuela todescribe the differences.

“Many people think I eat tacos and tortillasbecause I am from Venezuela,” Balderramasaid. “I don’t eat tacos. Mexican food is veryspicy.”

He added that the food in Venezuela andother Latin American countries is not spicy.He also said people are mistaken with theirstereotypes; Latin America is more diversethan people realize.

In his lecture, Balderrama said that severallanguages are spoken in Latin America.Though most of the countries speak Spanish,people in Bolivia and Peru speak Quecha andAymara, which are their official languages.People in Argentina speak Italian, French and

German.Balderrama said that different cultures

include different types of people. He said inArgentina and Uruguay there are “gauchos,”similar to a cowboy but with somedifferences. A gaucho herds cattle and horsesjust like a cowboy but wears different hat andattire.

“To capture and tie cattle they use a specialrope called a “boladora” that is made up of ametallic string gathered together,” Balderramasaid. “They also like to drink a lot of“yerbamata” which is a type of tea.”

According to Balderrama, every country inLatin America has developed its own historyand uniqueness.

Pablo Calafiore of Argentina attended thelecture and agrees with the way peopleassume that he eats refried beans and spicyfood such as salsa. He admits that there aresome differences, but also says that LatinAmerica has more similarities than differenceswith Mexican-Americans and Mexicans.

“There is about an 80-percent similarity and20-percent of a difference,” said Calafiore.“There are a lot more common parts in LatinAmerica.”

Calafiore added some of the similarities arethe family values and the corruption of LatinAmerican governments.

Balderrama says that a lot of people do notknow much of Latin America because theyare not taught it. He added that when heteaches an international studies course, he hasto start his course with the geography andhistory of Latin America.

“If people don’t know where everything is,they won’t know what the class is about,”Balderrama said. “It is very diverse.”

By HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American

March 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 11

Few people can honestly say thata film permanently changed theirlife, but after discovering thesweeping beauty of “TheGodfather” at age 14, my own lifebegan to follow a very differentpath.

My childhood dreams ofbecoming a plastic surgeonvanished seemingly overnight. No,I did not decide to pursue a careerin organized crime, but rather onein the film industry, which somemight very well consider a form oforganized crime in itself.

I’ve never been quite certainwhat it was about the mobster genrethat drew me in so deeply, thoughI’d imagine that few of us can argue

with the unique spell cast bymoney, power and Italian food.

Francis Ford Coppola’senthralling saga of the CorleoneFamily is an undisputed classic, buthis trilogy is hardly the first or laststab Hollywood has taken atcreating a gangster picture.

James Cagney brought anOedipal twist to the formula in“White Heat” over half a centurybefore Tony Soprano ever sat in Dr.Melfi’s office to gripe about hismother.

Fans of the genre should checkout “The Public Enemy,” “MeanStreets,” “Goodfellas,” and one ofmy personal favorites - the CoenBrothers’ darkly humorous“Miller’s Crossing.”

Last week one of the summer’smore notable successes, “Road to

Perdition,” hitvideo and DVDshelves, and if youmissed it intheaters, this mightbe a nice way tospend a couple ofhours over theSpring Breakvacation.

Based on acomic book,“Perdition” weavesthe dark, yet

touching tale of Irish hitmanMichael Sullivan, played by TomHanks with the usual brilliancewe’ve come to expect from theactor. Although he didn’t receive asmuch praise for this film as he hasin recent roles, I think hisunderstated performance speaksvolumes, breathing sincere warmthinto a character who might seemutterly cold-hearted to the casualobserver.

The story takes place during theheyday of Chicago crime boss AlCapone, and while Capone mayown Chicago, John Rooney (PaulNewman) is the boss of his ownsmall town. Rooney, we soon learn,has his own son but has also been afather figure for years to Hanks’character, taking him in when hehad no one else to turn to.

It was this show of kindness thateventually ensnared Sullivan,quietly coercing him into a lifetimeof sin. Sullivan’s life is turnedupside down when his eldest sonwitnesses the murder of a localbusinessman at the hands ofRooney’s real son.

This chilling, pivotal eventquickly leads to the murder ofSullivan’s wife and younger son,forcing he and his remaining childto leave home with tear-soaked eyesand vengeful hearts.

What follows can be seen as afather-and-son bonding exercise, abank robbery yarn, a vigilante’squest, or a coming-of-age story.Director Sam Mendes (“AmericanBeauty”) intelligently weaves allthese elements together, thanks notonly to the beautiful score byThomas Newman, but also, mostnotably, by the unbelievablygorgeous, often hauntingcinematography by the late ConradL. Hall. Look for this recentlydeceased master of the medium toreceive a posthumous award onOscar night.

Rounding out the pitch-perfectensemble cast are Jennifer JasonLeigh as Sullivan’s dedicated wife,Jude Law as a remarkably sinisterkiller-for-hire, and finally, but mostespecially, Tyler Hoechlin, whoplays Sullivan’s surviving son,Michael junior, with restrainedintegrity and sincerity.

As a boy thrust into manhood bycircumstances beyond his control,the young Sullivan struggles tounderstand the path his father haschosen, without having to succumbto it.

In the film, Perdition is the nameof the town they’re heading toward,but the word itself means “eternaldamnation,” and the movie, at itscore, is a spiritual tale. As the film

progresses, one can almost read thefear of damnation on the elderSullivan’s face, but it is washedaway by the greater desire forknowing that his son will manageto avoid a similar fate.

While this may seem a bit muchfor your Spring Break viewingpleasure, you should genuinely tryto catch this when you can. Ifnothing else, it would make awonderful Father’s Day gift,whether your dad’s in the mafia ornot.

By KEIL SHULTSThe Pan American

Resident reviewer offers Spring Break alternatives for those stuck indoors

Fathers, sons and Tommyguns

March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 5March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 12

RALLY!

Peace rally participants,clockwise from top: Dr. SamFreeman; Hector Aguayo;Richard Carmona-Casas;Omar Rodriguez; MarthaRamos; Alex Gaus.

Photos by Gabriel Hernandez

March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 4

Hery CastroBiologySenior

I think it’s all about ignorance since thereare people that don’t understand thedepth, the culture and the roots oflanguages such as Spanish.

Nelson CarrasqueroElectrical EngineeringSenior

I think there is ignorance behind thecolunmist opinion because there isno such beauty as having the abilityto communicate and know aboutother cultures.

Lindsey SchnielderUndeclared Freshman

I think it’s racist, because in manyareas of the country Spanish is thesecondary language.

Do you feel that Vanity Faircolumnist Dame Edna’s

comments were unfair andracist ?

Kenny MontgomerySpanishGraduate

I don’t think it’s racist but it is ignorance. Ithink it is just not about learning alanguage but learning about the wholeculture and civilization of any language.

VOICECCaammppuuss

Pierre CantuTelevision BroadcastingJunior

Yes, I believe it is racist and unfair to acertain point. It is sad because there areU.S. citizens who show their narrow mind,and through these type of interviews wecan offer a different view.

A Christian is someone who believes thatJesus Christ is their savior and path to Heaven.

Although denominations vary in the details oftheir beliefs, all Christians believe in goodness,and caring for others.

The following organizations demonstrate thatdespite all their differences when it comes downto it humanity and their faith in God are whatreally matters.

YOUNG CATHOLIC MINISTRYThe Young Adult Catholic Ministry is the

only Roman Catholic organization on campus.Its mission is to unite Catholics on campus byupholding the Roman Catholic Church and itsteachings. It aims to educate members bysharing and discussing issues that pertain to theCatholic religion and providing services at theUniversity of Texas Pan American. YACM alsointends to create a welcoming environmentwhich fosters human and Catholic development.

The weeks begin with peace prayer servicesheld in the University Chapel from 12 to 12:30p.m. on Mondays. Other activities held in theUniversity Chapel include Bible studiesThursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Masses are given on Thursdays at noon withlunch provided afterward, and a contemplativeprayer meetings on Fridays from 10 a.m. to10:30 a.m.

YACM meetings are held Tuesdays at noon.The organization is also hosting a FaithDevelopment Series held on Thursdays at 6:30p.m. Weekend activities include afternoonmovie on Fridays at 3 p.m. and mass at 5:30p.m. on Sundays. All masses are performed byFather Hillary Brzezinski from the Diocese ofBrownsville.

“We try to offer as much as possible so that atleast one of the things can fit into people’sschedule,” Alfonso Liguez, campus minister,said.

Silent retreats will be held monthly, and datesare to be announced. The organization alsoparticipates in other activities throughout theyear. Last week it sponsored a forum about thewar on Iraq. Speakers were Dr. Gregory Selberfrom the communication department and NickBraune, a theology/philosophy teacher at TexasState Technical College in Harlingen.

Members attend the Texas Catholic StudentConference every spring.

The date and location for this spring ispending. All activities are held so that memberscan learn the Catholic teachings and strengthentheir faith. YACM member Elys Salinas, juniorpre-pharmacy major, believes that theorganization has done just that for her.

“I joined to better understand the Catholicfaith,” said Salinas, a lifelong Catholic. “I havelearned the Church’s views on big issues likecontraception and abortion. I also understandthe symbolism of the order of the Mass now.”

Catholic beliefs include the communion ofsaints, forgiveness of sins, and that Virgin Maryascended into Heaven. The Holy Rosary is a setof prayers in which one asks the Virgin to prayfor them or loved ones. Included in the Rosaryare two common Catholic prayers, the HailMary and the Our Father. The Our Father canbe found in the Bible and the phrases in theHail Mary have been taken from the Bible aswell.

They also believe that Jesus Christ died forthe forgiveness of sins and that salvation is adaily task. Catholics live by the TenCommandments and believe one must followthe Seven Sacraments.

- Baptismal- one is introduced into the Churchas an infant.

- Reconciliation- confessing one’s sins andasking for forgiveness before communion

- Holy Eucharist- One eats the body andblood of Christ. Children, usually aroundthe age of seven are taught the meaning ofCommunion and receive their First HolyCommunion. Then they can receive theCommunion every Mass as long as they areright with God.

- Confirmation- One confirms their belief inGod and the Roman Catholic Church intheir mid or late teens usually.

- Holy orders-to become a priest or nun- Holy Matrimony- those who do not choose

holy orders then they shall marry- Anointing of the Sick - the sick are anointed

with holy oil so that if they die they can beidentified as a Christian who has repented

YACM not only offers its members educationin the Catholic faith. It also creates anenvironment for them to connect and becomefriends. YACM parliamentarian Omar Riojasfeels that this is important.

“After awhile you develop a bond with theother members,” said Riojas, a sophomorephysical therapy major. “It’s nice to have peopleof the same faith to count on and to count onyou.”

YACM members can often be found hangingout at the Catholic Student Center which isprovided by the Diocese of Brownsville. Thecenter is off campus and is not affiliated withUTPA. However, members often meet there.Liguez is the director of the center and said thatthe center has several purposes.

“The center is open to the public,” heexplained. “We are here to serve the communitywhich includes the students. We provide a placefor them to come and relax between classes oreven study.”

Riojas, who often takes advantages of theservices the center has to offer, feels that thecenter prioritizes education.

“We come here to relax, but the emphasis ison academics,” he said. “We have the quietroom to study in and computers we can use.”

Liguez feels that together YACM and theCatholic Student Center are developing itsmembers to be better individuals.

“It is important that people who aredeveloping their professional skills to alsodevelop themselves spiritually,” Liguez said.“This way at the end the University willproduce well-rounded citizens that will bring amoral and human aspect to their profession.”

For information about YACM contact theorganization at 383-0133 or e-mail atyacm@catholic.org.

UNITED METHODIST STUDENTMOVEMENT

The United Methodist Student Movement isaffiliated with the United Methodist Church, butaccepts members from all religions. Its goal isto create a caring and welcoming environmentfor its members. It motto is “Open hearts, openminds, open doors.”

On Tuesdays the UMSM hosts a free lunch atnoon for its members and has a guest speaker.The last one was Nancy Reyes form ValleyAIDS Council. On Thursdays a free lunch isfollowed by a Bible Study at noon. The groupreads scriptures from the Bible and then has astudent-led discussion. The topic depends onquestions members might have.

“The campus minister does not usually getinvolved,” President of UMSM KhristianVasquez said. “He tells us that it is ourorganization and that we need to take over, butif we ever have a question then he gladly jumps

Fellowship soughtBy AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American

Campus FaithSECOND IN A CONTINUING SERIES

See FAITH page 6

When school becomes toooverwhelming and the NewYear’s resolution to lose weightnever really transpires,something has to be around thatwill help mind and body. At theUniversity of Texas-PanAmerican there is a recreationalintramural department that offersa wide variety of sports activitiesfor all students, faculty, and staffto participate in regardless oftheir ability or experience.

"It’s a great place to makenew friends, if you were a highschool athlete or never havecompeted in anything before, it’sa wonderful experience,"Intramural Recreation SportsAssistant Art Cabrera said."Sometimes those games getpretty competitive, it’s real fun tobe out there to watch it all."

Current intramural sportsinclude flag football, soccer,basketball, volleyball, beachvolleyball, putt-putt, golf,racquetball, tennis, softball and

for its inaugural year, bowlingDuring the fall, flag football,

men’s 3-on-3 basketball andvolleyball were the featuredsports. For the men’s 3-on-3basketball competition, UTPAjoined universities nationwide totake part in Midnight Madness,the annual celebration to markthe official start of basketballseason.

The Latin Players werecrowned champions of the one-day 3-on-3 tournament despitestiff competition.

In flag football, the Stallionsclaimed this year’s title byoverwhelming the competition.The Vipers won the co-edchampionship.

Arecent survey by the studentbody at the end of the fallsemester provided someinteresting suggestions foradditional sporting events.

"The sport that was in highdemand was oddly enoughbowling, thus in the springsemester we will have co-edbowling," Cabrera said.

Several other sports are in the

works for the present semester.After spring break, co-edsoftball, men’s soccer, and co-edflag football will be offered.Bowling will make its debut thisyear as an intramural event andwill be in a 4-on-4 co-ed format.

"I expect to see a lot of peoplesigning up for bowling, theyasked for it so we brought it tothem," Cabrera said.

Intramural events are usuallyheld between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.Monday through Thursday. Allparticipants will receive a freeIntramural Campus T-shirt andthe winner of each event isawarded an Intramural CampusChamp T-shirt. Some of thecampus champions advance toregional, state, or nationaltournaments, depending on theactivity.

The events are open to allfaculty, staff, and registeredstudents regardless of athleticability. Official Intramural entryforms may be obtained at BroncVillage Apartments #2101 or foradditional information, call 292-0839.

March 6, 2003 Sports Page 13

Golf team takes fifth,Lady Broncs fall

The UTPA men’s golf team took fifthplace out of 13 teams at the MoeO’Brien Memorial Invitational hosted byMcNeese State Tuesday. The Broncs fin-ished the 54-hole event with a score of893.

The Lady Broncs tennis team fell 7-0to Louisiana-Monroe Sunday. The clos-est match of the event was at the numbertwo singles spot, where Nataly Ostovskadefeated Kathryn Waslen 6-4, 6-4.

Mexico faces Boliva

The MLS Dallas Burn announcedMonday that the organization will hostan international friendly competitionbetween Mexico and Bolivia onWednesday, March 19 at 8 p.m. at TexasStadium. Mexico last faced the Bolivianson May 16, 2002 in San Francisco in aWorld Cup tune-up match. In that match,the “Tricolor” barely defeated the SouthAmericans 1-0 to improve their all-timerecord against Bolivia to 5-1-1. Ticketsfor the friendly will go on sale on March5 at 10 a.m. and can be purchasedthrough Ticketmaster.

Kenseth scores UAW victory

Matt Kenseth won the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 on Sunday afterbeating out Dale Earnhardt Jr. to the fin-ish line by 9.104 seconds. Kenseth wona Winston Cup-best five races last sea-son. Michael Waltrip, the Daytona 500winner, finished the race in third place,but took over the Winston Cup pointslead.

Woods outduels Tomsfor Accenture win

Tiger Woods remained in a class allhis own Sunday when he won theAccenture Match Play Championship atLa Costa in Carlsbad, Calif. Woods putan end to a comeback from David Tomson the 35th hole after hitting a 7-iron195 yards to save par from the bunker towin 2-and-1. He never trailed after that.Woods won the title by playing in thefewest holes (112 in six rounds) amongany winner in the five-year history of theworld championship. The win was

Woods’ 36th on the PGA Tour and rakedin $1,050,000.

Rayos claim top of standings

The Rayos of Necaxa defeated theTecos of the Autonomous University ofGuadalajara (U.A.G.), 2-1, to leapfrog tothe top of the Mexican Soccer LeagueClausura 2003 standings with 16 points.Last week’s leader, Chivas ofGuadalajara, slipped to second placeafter battling to a 1-1 tie with Morelos.The Rayados of Monterrey took up resi-dence in third place with 15 points aftercoming from behind to tie the GallosBlancos of Querétaro 1-1. Club Américadropped to fourth place after the Pumasof U.N.A.M. tied the match 1-1 on apenalty kick by Mariano Trujillo in the34th minute of the Mexico City classic.Monterrey-based Tigres fell to fifth placewith 14 points after letting a victory getaway when Santos Laguna tied the“regios” on chilean spark plug RodrigoRuiz’ last minute goal to tie the match 2-2.

Jones scores heavyweight title

Roy Jones Jr. became only the secondlight heavyweight to win the WBAheavyweight title after outboxing JohnRuiz Saturday night in Las Vegas. Joneswon a unanimous 12-round decision:118-110, 117-111 and 116-112. The onlyother light heavyweight boxer to win theheavyweight title was Michael Spinkswhen he defeated Larry Holmes in 1985.In other weekend fights, Jean-MarcMormeck of France knocked outUkrainian Alexander Gurov in the eighthround to retain the WBA cruiserweighttitle and Ronald Wright of St.Petersburg, Fla. outscored ColumbianJuan Candelo to retain the IBF juniormiddleweight title.

Chargers add Boston,Broncos ink Plummer

Two Arizona Cardinal losses turnedout to be gains for two NFL teamsWednesday as the San Diego Chargerslanded wide receiver David Boston andthe Denver Broncos snagged quarterbackJake Plummer. Boston’s deal is worth$47 million over seven seasons, whilePlummer signed his name on a $40 mil-lion, seven-year deal.

SSPPOORRTTSS CCLLIIPPBBOOAARRDDUTPA drops seasonfinale to Morris Brown

ATLANTA - Morris Brownforward Anthony Adams hit abuzzer-beating jump shot todefeat the University of Texas-Pan American men's basketballteam 72-71 Saturday in theseason finale, at John LewisArena.

The heartbreaking lossdropped UTPA to 10-20 to endthe year and the Wolverinesimproved to 9-19 to close outtheir season on a positive note.

On the upside, four Broncplayers scored in double digits.In his last game as a Bronc,Kevin Mitchell led the teamwith 18 points, Allen Holcombadded 17 points and ninerebounds, Valley native EricMontalvo contributed 12 and

freshman forward Derrick Eastscored 10.

The Wolverines opened thegame with an early 20-9 runand held the lead at 37-26 with4:36 remaining in the first half.The Broncs came back with sixpoints from Holcomb and keyshots from junior guard PrinceThompson and Montalvo tofinish the first half with a 13-0run to take a 39-37 lead athalftime.The Broncs started thesecond half just as strong asthey ended the first, scoringnine points and holding MorrisBrown scoreless to build a 48-39 lead early in the secondhalf. In a game of ups anddowns, the Wolverines thenfought back, using a 22-10 runto take a 62-59 lead.

The Broncs eventuallygrabbed a 71-70 lead with 22

seconds remaining off aMontalvo layup. However,Morris Brown wouldn’t bedenied on its home court andpulled out the win on Adams’shot at the buzzer, whichbounced off the rim and fell into sink the visitors.

The loss marked the seventhtime this season that theBroncs lost a game by fourpoints or less. Two of thoselosses came in overtime, andtwo more were at the buzzer.

The loss meant that thisyear’s team suffered acomplete reversal record-wisein comparison to 2001-2002,when it was 20-10. Theheartbreaking defeat put an endto a long and frustrating seasonthat was filled with injuries,missed chances, and unfulfilledpotential.

By NADER M. SIAMThe Pan American

Kennedy led the way for the Broncs.Eichel went 3-5 from the plate, scoredthree runs and recorded one RBI, whileKennedy also went 3-5, scored two runsand had 3 RBIs. Tommy Sorden (1-1) gotthe win for UTPA on the mound, pitching6.1 innings and giving up two runs on sixhits while five Islanders.

In game two, leftfielder Louie Alamiaplayed a solid game for the Broncs. Thefreshman went 2-3 from the plate, andscored a run. Johnny Gibson (2-1) earned

the win on the mound for UTPA, givingup three hits and striking out three battersin 4.2 innings of work.

When it comes to selecting who willdraw the next assignment on the mound,Gawlik and his staff will take a close lookat the current season statistics. Possiblestarters include sophomore John Lopez,senior Travis Parker and junior TommySorden.

The Broncs will visit Texas A&M for athree-game series from March 7-9.

BASEBALL continued from page 16

Intramurals offer funBy NADER M. SIAMThe Pan American

March 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 3

Mariachi Azahares, a local all-female mariachi group, will becelebrating its second anniversarythis spring.

Gaby Sandoval, the group’sfounder, moved to the Valley in thefall of 1997 as a former member ofan all-female mariachi group inSan Antonio. Sandoval enrolled atthe University of Texas-PanAmerican, and has been a memberof UTPA Mariachi for six years.

Mariachi Azahares originated inthe spring of 2001 from a list ofUTPA musicians Sandoval deemedworthy to participate and perform.

“I chose girls who I thoughtwould be inspired by the musicand have a passion for it,” shesaid.

The group consists of 10women, all students and membersof UTPA Mariachi Femenil, whichoriginated in the fall of 2001 afterSandoval pitched the idea to Dr.Dahlia Guerra, head of the school’smusic department and director ofUTPA Mariachi.

“I thought that it would be agood idea because there’s nothinglike that here,” Sandoval said.“There was always mixed groupsor all-male groups but never an all-female group.”

“La Reyna,” which means thequeen, is one of the many songs inmariachi that is traditionallyperformed by a male vocalistbecause it is dedicated to a woman.“El Rey,” which means the king, isthe song’s transformed version thatallows a female to sing indedication to a man.

Mariachi Azahares entertaincustomers at local restaurantsnearly every weekend, with “ElRey” and other songs such as “LasMañanitas” and “Volver,” charging$10 per request. On a good nightthe group will make up to $550.

“They like us ‘cause weresomething new and different towatch,” said violinist MelissaHernandez. “Our goal is to getourselves more recognized, and sofar we have captivated someinterest.”

More than half of the membersof Mariachi Azahares keep themelody tempo with the instrumentmost commonly associated withmariachi, the violin. A vihuela, aguitar and a guitarron keep therhythm, and a trumpet is added forclarity and sound. All 10 musiciansare vocalists as well.

Juanita Garza, professor ofhistory at UTPA, said thatMariachi Azahares contradicts thestereotype of a woman only beingallowed in mariachi as a featuredvocalist.

“They are really breaking intothe realm of masculinity,” Garzasaid. “They are opening up themusic industry for more females ina sense.”

Garza feels that the group isprobably accepted by the public.

“You’re always going to havesomeone who is a purist aboutmariachi, and is going to be totallyagainst females,” said Garza. “ButI think that for the most partpeople will recognize that this isdifferent so they’ll be morereceptive to accepting theirmusic.”

The musicians look forward tocompeting Feb. 21 in Laredoagainst professional mariachigroups for prize money. They willbe the only all-female groupentering in the competition.

“It’s a male dominated genre,”Sandoval said. “It’s about time weshow them what were capable of.”

The group also gets booked forgigs playing for weddings,quincieñeras, birthdays andanniversaries. Each performerearns $40 per gig, which usuallylast about one hour.

Female band tearing it upBy MARIZA ELIZONDOThe Pan American

Ever since Sept. 11, the threat of terrorism hascreated an added need for security among U.S.citizens. The government created the HomelandSecurity Advisory System (HSAS) to provide acomprehensive and effective means to spreadinformation regarding the risk of terrorist acts tofederal, state, local authorities, and the public.

As of last week the U.S. Attorney General alongwith the Homeland Security Council made thedecision to return the threat level to an elevated riskof terrorist attack, or "yellow" level from the recenthigh “orange” risk level.

Such a system provides warnings by having a 5-level measure of threat conditions that changes as therisk of the threats increase. At each level federaldepartments and agencies implement acorresponding set of protective measures to furtherreduce vulnerability or increase response capabilityduring a period of heightened alert.

This system is intended to create a commonunderstanding, context, and structure for an ongoingnational discussion about the nature of the threatsthat confront the homeland. It also provides theappropriate measures that should be taken inresponse.

The HSAS includes five levels of threatconditions, each identified by a description andmatching color. From lowest to highest, the levelsand colors are:

• Low = Green;• Guarded = Blue• Elevated = Yellow• High = Orange• Severe = Red.

The higher the Threat Condition, the greater the

risk of a terrorist attack. Risk includes both theprobability of an attack occurring and its potentialgravity.

At UTPA, the University Police Department hasmade an effort to keep the students, faculty and staffalert to the prospect of danger that is among us. Bye-mailing the campus about the different informationthat the NSAS is documenting, and monitors thenews reports and the emergency alert systems.

According to Howard Miller, UTPA police chief,there is an obvious difference between the elevatedand high alert levels, but the precaution theuniversity is taking to assure the protection of UTPAremains the same. The creation of new committees,such as the campus safety team, is one step beingmade to ensure the protection of UTPA.

“Students need to be aware of their surroundings,”Miller said. “They need to able to be observant incase of any suspicious behavior, and be on theirguard. Some things shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

Across the area action is being taken also to thesafety of residents of the Rio Grande Valley. InBrownsville, there is a security alert for differentcrises, from natural disasters like tornados orhurricanes to disasters such as terrorist attacks.

“We are very prepared, but going about businessas usual,” said Mark Erbert of the BrownsvillePolice Department. “As are as anything that doeshappen, Brownsville is ready to act on it with propersecurity measures.”

UTPA is with the community in being preparedfor a disaster in the future. Miller feels that thestudents need to take accountability for their ownsafety.

“In the long run a person’s safety is their ownresponsibility,” Miller said. “Sometimes people thinkthat the campus is immune to different attacks,whether it be natural or man made. Everyone shouldbe observant and prepared in case something everhappens close to home.”

Alerts followed locallyBy CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American

On Saturday at 1 a.m., Lorena Garcia, assistanteditor for the Panorama, was still in the UTPAPanorama office trying to sort her way throughfeature stories for the upcoming issue.

Along with other staff members, Garcia is startingto feel the quickly approaching deadline that must bemet in order to get the student publication out byfinals week in May.

“This year, the Panorama staff is trying hard toadd more quality content, photos and graphics,” saidGarcia, a public relations/advertising major.

Designed as an annual pictorial of campus events,student activities, and student feature stories, thePanorama serves as an organization forcommunications students. The staff produces most ofthe content and photos but submissions are stillaccepted from UTPA students.

“The Panorama is a magazine yearbook hybrid,"said lecturer Jacqueline Nirenberg, the group’sadviser. “Its purpose is to provide a snapshot of theyear for UTPA students and is also used as a publicrelations tool for the university.”

According to Nirenberg, every year the Panoramais different because it is purely student-driven,allowing the staff to determine the look, theme andsize of the publication. Funding for the Panoramacomes from student fees, approved by the StudentAffairs Advisory Committee.

According to Nadia Mercado, Panorama Editor,the product will showcase the university from pastyears, dating back to 1927, to the future of UTPA.Garcia will have to spend some of her Spring Breakmaking sure the Panorama makes its way to theprinting press on time. But she will also have tomake sure another student publication gets there ontime too.

Besides being a part of the Panorama staff, Garciais also a part of Gallery 2003, a student-literary arts

magazine. She is one of the students enrolled inENG 3334, an English course which explores thetechniques of magazine production and editing. Theclass provides a comprehensive laboratoryexperience in the editing of the production of Gallery2003, including techniques of computer-generatedcomposition and design, according to the classsyllabus.

“From advertising and selecting the material toteamwork and decision-making in the final weeks,the students get a great experience from start tofinish,” said Sandra Cararas, instructor and adviser ofGallery 2003. “Billboards have already been postedall around the UTPA campus along with flyers inorder to advertise for submissions.”

According to Garcia, the differences betweenPanorama and Gallery 2003 are that Panorama haspaid positions for the editor, the assistant editor andother members of the organization, along withvolunteers. The students producing Gallery 2003 areequals with no pay and must put together the literarymagazine in its entirety to earn a grade.

Similarly though, both Panorama and Gallery2003 are scheduled to be out the first two weeks ofMay.

In its 20th year of publication, Gallery is primarilyfunded through student service fees. Manysupporters from the UTPA faculty have alsosupported the product in past years and arerecognized as patrons.

Gallery 2003 will feature original works by UTPAstudents in the genres of poetry, prose (short story oressay), art, and photos.

Submissions of original works are currently beingaccepted. UTPA students, both undergraduate orgraduate students who were enrolled in either fall2002 or spring 2003 may submit their originalworks. The place to submit is the UT Press Officelocated on the second floor of the COAS buildingroom 266. The deadline for accepting submissions isMarch 7, 2003.

Publications coming alongBy ADRIANA MARTINEZThe Pan American

Special to The Pan American

KICKER— Members of the Mariachi Azahares play for dining guests at theRepublic of the Rio Grande restaurant on South 10th Street in McAllen

March 6, 2003 sports Page 14

UTPA BASEBALL SCORES AND STATS

March 4 (Exhibition)Reynosa 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 - 7 14 1UTPA 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 - 4 13 2

Pitchers: REYNOSA - M. Esquer; N. Renovato (4); C.Tijerina (6); N. Melendez (7); M. Enriquez (7); O.Verdugo (9).UTPA - R. Anderson; R. Martinez (3); J. Duhon (4); A.Guerra (6); L. Alamia (7); J. Saenz (9).Win-M. Esquer. Loss-R. Martinez. Save-O. Verdugo. Time - 2:57 Attendance - 1,604HR UTPA - M Garza; M Eichel; J Mason.

March 2 TAMUCC 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 - 7 12 3 UTPA 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 - 3 9 2 Pitchers: TAMUCC - J Hamon; M Garcia (6); JHuerta (8). UTPA - B DiOrio; T Parker (6). Win-J Hamon (3-1) Save-J Huerta (2) Loss-BDiOrio (2-1) Time - 3:00 Attendance - 235HR TAMUCC - H AguilarTAMUCC 8-4, UTPA 9-8

March 1 (Game two)TAMUCC 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 - 5 8 2UTPA 0 0 2 0 1 3 x - 6 7 0Pitchers: TAMUCC - S Walker; J Huerta (6); MGarcia (6). UTPA - A Guerra; J Gibson (3). Win-J Gibson (2-1) Loss-J Huerta (1-1) Time - 2:10 Attendance - 393HR TAMUCC - H Aguilar, J GarnerTAMUCC 7-4, UTPA 9-7

March 1 (Game one)TAMUCC 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 - 2 6 4 UTPA 7 1 0 0 0 1 0 6 x - 15 13 1 Pitchers: TAMUCC - D Arroyo; E Martanovic (2).UTPA - J Lopez; T Sorden (3). Win-T Sorden (1-1) Loss-D Arroyo (1-1) Time - 2:45 Attendance - Not ReportedTAMUCC 7-3, UTPA 8-7

UTPA Baseball Team Leaders

Batting

G AB H R HR RBI AVGLouie Alamia 12 38 17 9 0 4 .447Marco Garza 17 70 27 14 3 17 .386Tony Ortiz 17 67 24 13 0 12 .358Jerome McCoy 17 42 15 14 0 8 .357Bruce Kennedy16 59 17 12 2 17 .288A. Alonzo 8 14 4 3 0 1 .286Juan Saenz 10 25 7 0 0 5 .280Matt Eichel 12 35 9 11 0 6 .257T.J. Gilmer 13 44 11 8 0 9 .250Matt Sisk 14 41 10 6 1 7 .244J. Englert 7 18 4 4 0 1 .222Jarod Hickle 8 15 3 4 1 2 .200J. Mason 15 30 6 8 0 5 .200John Lopez 10 18 3 6 0 1 .167Ben DiOrio 9 18 1 1 0 4 .056

Note: based on at least 10 at-bats.

PitchingG IP W-L SV BB SO ERA

John Lopez 4 14.0 1-0 1 9 11 0.64Ben DiOrio 5 24.1 2-1 1 9 16 2.59J. Gibson 8 18.0 2-1 1 9 13 4.50J. Duhon 4 7.0 0-2 0 6 1 5.14A. Guerra 5 23.0 2-2 0 9 10 5.48T. Sorden 6 24.1 1-1 0 18 15 5.55T. Parker 5 20.2 1-1 0 9 13 9.15L. Alamia 1 3.2 0-0 0 6 3 14.73R. Anderson 2 1.1 0-0 0 4 0 20.25

Team Batting

G AB H R HR RBI AVGUTPA 17 540 160 113 7 99 .296Opp. 17 523 131 109 10 96 .250

Team Pitching

G IP W-L SV BB SO ERAUTPA 17 143.0 9-8 1 86 88 5.16Opp. 17 136.0 8-9 2 72 105 5.23

UTPA BASEBALL STATS Date Opponent Result SiteFeb. 1 SWT W 11-3 HFeb. 2 Sch. (DH) W 13-4 HFeb. 2 Schreiner W 7-1 HFeb. 10 Lamar (DH) L 10-16 HFeb. 10 Lamar W 3-2 HFeb. 11 Lamar L 2-9 HFeb. 14 California L 5-20 AFeb. 15 Nebraska L 1-9 AFeb. 16 SWT. L 3-12 AFeb. 19 Inc. Word (DH) L 8-12 (10) HFeb. 19 Inc. Word W 4-0 HFeb. 22 Ark.-Monticello (DH) W 15-0 HFeb. 22 Ark.-Monticello W 2-1 HFeb. 23 Ark.-Monticello L 5-6 HFeb. 26 Texas Tech - CanceledFeb. 27 Texas Tech - CanceledMar. 1 TAMUCC (DH) W 15-2, W W 6-5 4 p.m.Mar. 2 TAMUCC L 7-3 1 p.m.Mar. 4 Reynosa (Exhib.) L 7-4 7:30 p.m.

Date Opponent Site TimeMar. 7 TAMU A 7 p.m.Mar. 8 TAMU A 7 p.m.Mar. 9 TAMU A 1 p.m.Mar. 11 Sam Hou. St. H 7 p.m.Mar. 12 Sam Hou. St. H 1 p.m.

UTPA/Al Ogletree Classic (March 14-16)Mar. 14 Iona vs. Illinois H 3 p.m.Mar. 14 Prairie View H 7 p.m.Mar. 15 Iona vs. Prairie View H 3 p.m.Mar. 15 Illinois H 7 p.m.Mar. 16 Illinois vs. Prairie View H NoonMar. 16 Iona H 7 p.m.

Mar. 17 Iona H 7 p.m.Mar. 18 Iona H 2 p.m.Mar. 25 SWT A 6:30 p.m.Mar. 26 SWT A 4 p.m.Mar. 28 Dallas Baptist H 7 p.m.Mar. 29 Dallas Baptist H 7 p.m.Apr. 1 Texas A&M-Kingsville H 5 p.m.Apr. 5 TAMUCC (DH) A 1 p.m.Apr. 6 TAMUCC A 1 p.m.Apr. 8 Texas A 6:30 p.m.Apr. 11 Oral Roberts A 7 p.m.Apr. 12 Oral Roberts A 3 p.m.Apr. 13 Oral Roberts A 1 p.m.Apr. 15 Oklahoma St. A 6:30 p.m.Apr. 16 Oklahoma St. A NoonApr. 22 Texas A 6:30 p.m.Apr. 23 Texas-San Antonio A 1 p.m.Apr. 30 Texas-San Antonio (DH)H 5 p.m.May 2 Southeastern LA A 6:30 p.m.May 3 Southeastern LA A 3:30 p.m.May 4 Southeastern LA A 1 p.m.May 16 NMSU (DH) A 2/8 p.m.May 17 NMSU (DH) A 2/8 p.m.

UTPA Baseball Schedule

Men’s Final Basketball TeamLeaders

PointsG Pts Pts/G

K. MITCHELL 30 442 14.7Allen Holcomb 30 325 10.8Eric Montalvo 30 274 9.1 P. Thompson 30 246 8.2T. Sitnikovas 30 245 8.2

ReboundsG Reb Reb/G

A. HOLCOMB 30 226 7.5T. Sitnikovas 30 137 4.6P. Thompson 30 123 4.1

AssistsG No A/G

JAMES DAVIS 29 111 3.8Kevin Mitchell 30 97 3.2Eric Montalvo 30 58 1.9

Women’s Basketball TeamLeaders

PointsG Pts Pts/G

ALEX GRAVEL 25 354 14.2Naima Williams 28 308 11.0J.r Piwonka 28 222 7.9Julie Porter 28 179 6.4A. Carlow 28 171 6.1

ReboundsG Reb Reb/G

J. PORTER 28 161 5.8N. Williams 28 156 5.6Alex Gravel 25 113 4.5

AssistsG No. A/G

J. PIWONKA 28 89 3.2A. Carlow 28 87 3.1Alex Gravel 25 53 2.1

UTPA BasketballStats

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539(956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122

http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican51st Year – No. 19

EditorMatt Lynch

mlynch@panam.edu

Layout Designers

Ashley Brooks

Gabriel O. Hernandez

Reporters

Hilda Barrientes

Amelia Garcia

Dulce Gonzalez

Aaron Lozano

Adriana Martinez

Clarissa Martinez

Nadar M. Siam

Jennifer Tapia

Celeste Y. Tello

Arianna Vazquez

Photographer

Daniel Aguilar

Circulation

Joe Rodriguez

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.

Letters policy

March 6 2 0 0 3

Readers with dis-abilities mayrequest an alter-native format ofthis publicationat The PanAmerican busi-ness office. For special assis-tance to attendany event listedin this publica-tion, contact thecoordinator of theevent at least oneweek prior to theadvertised date.

Sports EditorEd Chrnko

echrnko@yahoo.com

A & E EditorAshley Brooks

Magrew2@hotmail.com

News EditorBelinda Reyes

beberay25@aol.com

Graphics EditorGabriel O.Hernandez

gabo296@hotmail.com

NEWS■ Gallery . . . . . . . . . . 3■ Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . 4■ Peace Rally . . . . . . . 5

To the Editor:I just finished reading the “Caterwaul”

section of the February 6 Pan American,regarding the question “Should America Goto War with Iraq?” I was deeplydisappointed, given the importance of thistopic, with the arguments both for andagainst war.

In his case for war, Dagoberto Pérez, likeour President himself, slips too easily into“Axis of Evil”-type clichés: he explains that“Saddam would like nothing more than tosee Lady Liberty crumble” and refers inweighty capital letters to the “Iron Fist thatSaddam Hussein wears.”

This rhetoric, though satisfying in thesame way blockbuster movie previews are,fails to impart any actual evidence toforward Mr. Perez’s arguments. Like somuch of the Bush Administration’s publicstatements, Pérez plays on our sense of

dread without really engaging in criticaldebate or answering the reservations theAmerican people (and the world) haveexpressed about this war.

Arianna Vazquez, for her part, takes theview of only the most extreme elements ofthe anti-war movement and inflates themwith the language of a bad Bond movie:Bush, she says, is a “puppet of the oilindustry” who wants to “rule the world” andestablish “global empire.” Whatever onethinks of Bush or his war, the fact of thematter is that, even in France and otherbastions of anti-war sentiment, this debate isabout more than oil or empire: it is about,among other things, our relationships withthe rest of the world, the balance of power inthe Middle East, and how we go aboutmaking the world a safer place.

Those who oppose the war have anobligation to offer a different vision on theseissues. Ms. Vazquez instead chooses, likeMr. Pérez with Saddam Hussein, to provide

us with a dastardly villain rather than a realargument.

The question of war in Iraq will shapeglobal politics for years to come, affect allof our safety, and perhaps cost thousands ofcivilian lives in Iraq, not only through armedconflict but because of food supply andrefugee populations (Does anyone still talkabout Afghanistan, and all the starvingpeople we left behind there?). I am afraidthat such terribly momentous questionsdeserve a much more rigorous debate in ourcommunity than I saw in the pages of the“Pan American.”

Adam RosenblattArts and Culture Coordinator

Division of External AffairsUniversity of Texas Pan American

1201 West University DriveEdinburg, TX 78539-2999

Office: (956) 381-3349Cellular: (512) 796-1375

rosenblatt@panam.edu

Caterwaul panned by reader

OPINION l e t t e r s ■ e d i t o r i a l s ■ c a r t o o n sPAGE 2

With the help of a simple Web-basedcomputer program, the once cumbersomeprocess of advisement just became a whole loteasier for students at the University of Texas-PanAmerican.

UTPA officials believe the new program,dubbed the “Degree Audit System,” will take thehassle out of following a degree plan for notonly the 14,000-plus UTPA students, but alsofaculty who face the arduous task of advisingeach student.

“We are not going to do away with mandatoryadvisement in any way, shape, or form, but thiswill make it less hectic on the students,” saidDirector of Admissions and Records DavidZuniga. “The time students will have to spendwith their advisers will be more quality time anddeal with issues they need to talk about. It willmake it easier on faculty to work with students.”

According to Zuniga, the Degree AuditSystem was part of a software packagepurchased by the university several years ago,but the program was shelved while Admissionsand Records personnel worked on other state-mandated projects. But approximately five yearsago, the department spearheaded the effort to getthe system up and running.

“There are over 55 majors at the university,and they all have different requirements. It’staken time to get the information together fromall the departments, secretaries, and staff,”Zuniga said. “It has been in [testing two to three]years, and one year has been spent working outbugs. We now have it live and it is timed for theadvisement period, and students will be able toutilize it from now on.”

Previously, students looking for advisementwere required to fulfill a multistep process toreceive time with a faculty adviser. Afterobtaining a copy of a UTPA transcript, a studenthad to track down a copy of their specific degreeplan and make an appointment with a facultyadviser.

“Someone needed to sit with the student,decipher their transcript and answer thequestions, and eventually the student had to getthe degree plan signed and approved,” Zunigasaid. “Any time a student wanted a degree plan,it took a lot of time.”

But with the new Degree Audit System, thefirst two steps of the advisement have beenscrapped completely and the rest of the processhas been streamlined. Virtually the only step leftunaffected by the the new system is that studentsmust still have the finished degree plan signedby the dean of their respective college.

“Now from anywhere in the world if theyhave access to a computer, whether at work or athome or even in a lab or even a Kiosk machineon campus, a student, by entering their PIN andfollowing simple instructions will be able tohave their degree plan printed in seconds,”Zuniga said. “This does not preclude studentsfrom going to advisers for advisement, but it willmake things easier for both students andadvisers.”

The Degree Audit System will provide everyUTPA student with a virtual treasure trove ofinformation, including transcript data, gradesreceived in completed courses, remaining corerequirements and minor courses yet to becompleted. Zuniga believes this information willgreatly enhance a students’ ability to gauge theirprogression through their respective degreeplans.

According to Zuniga, invitations encouragingUTPA students to use the new Degree AuditSystem were mailed earlier this week along withregistration materials. Although the DegreeAudit System is not unique to UTPA - a numberof Texas A&M University system schools andUT-Austin use a related version of the program -the program was manipulated by UTPAComputer Center personnel to make thesoftware easier to use.

“The Computer Center has done a lot of workbehind the scenes,” Zuniga said. “We took thesystem and made it Web-based to make it moreuser-friendly. Now if the student looks at it on

the Web, it has color and everything.”Roy Rodriguez, a UTPA Computer Center

Program Analyst, feels his department workedhard to make the Degree Audit System programspecial to Pan Am.

“We brought the program out of the can andthe departments brought up a lot of issues, likethey wanted us to make it more user-friendlyand have more color,” he said. “The hardest partwas customizing it to meet UTPA’s needs anddealing with the deadlines. It was working whenwe first brought it out of the can, but it was verybasic.”

According to Rodriguez, the finished productwas over 10 years in the making, and his team isexcited to bring the new service to UTPA.

“Once we got rolling back in November 2002,that’s when we started pushing hard to get itdone for this coming semester. We’re very proudof it,” he said. “We’re still looking to make otherenhancements for it. We’re going to add morethings and it’s going to be much better. It’s goingto improve with the feedback we’re getting.”

The assistant deans of each UTPA college alsofaced the monumental task of collecting theinformation regarding their respective degreeplans to be entered into the program.

“It took some time checking to see that whatwas online matched what was in the catalogue,”said Wally Tucker, assistant dean of the Collegeof Arts and Humanities. “But now students aregoing to be able to have faster access to theirdegree plans and they will be more accurate. It’sgoing to be quicker to make a degree plan.”

Students can access the Degree Audit Systemby inputting their social security number andPIN through the student services section ofhttp://www.assist.panam.edu. Admissions andRecords also provides a tutorial regarding theuse of the service athttp://admissions.panam.edu/degreeaudit.html.

“We developed the tutorial Web site so that allthe answers are right there and students won’thave to call a bunch of people trying to figure itout,” Zuniga said. “It will answer any questionsa student may have.”

Online advising available By MATT LYNCHThe Pan American

March 6, 2003 sports Page 15

The Reynosa Broncos of the MexicanBaseball League defeated the Universityof Texas-Pan American baseball team 7-4in the third annual exhibition matchupbetween the two teams Tuesday nightbefore a crowd of 1,604 that were splitbetween Pan Am supporters and Broncosfans at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium.

Reynosa, the equivalent of a Triple-Abaseball club in the U.S., used some solidrelief pitching to silence UTPA’s bats inthe last three innings to run off with theexhibition game victory to improve to 2-0in their spring training season. TheBroncos defeated the Monterrey Sultanes6-3 in their first exhibition game of theyear on Monday.

Last year, the Broncos finished inseventh place in the Northern Zone with a20-33 record (43-67 overall) in the secondhalf of the 2002 MBL season. Thevisiting Broncos opened up the game byscoring three runs off seldom-used starterRicky Anderson, who pitched two inningsand gave up three runs off three hits.

Despite the shaky Bronc start, UTPAcomposed itself and got down tofundamentals. Pan Am responded in itshalf of the first inning with a pair of solo

home runs to left field by sophomoreshortstop Marco Garza and sophomorecatcher Matt Eichel off Reynosa veteranstarter Mercedes Esquer.

In the second inning, the Broncs tiedthe game 3-3 with a solo shot to left fieldby sophomore center fielder JonathanMason.

In 17 games, Pan Am has hit only sevenhome runs, but they cranked three round-trippers against Reynosa in the first twoinnings of the game against seasonedveteran left-hander Esquer.

Reynosa took back the lead in the topof the third off a pair of throwing errors.Left fielder Ozzie Timmons reached baseon a botched throw from third base andadvanced to second on the same errorwhich put him in scoring position. Secondbaseman Rafael Castañeda singled to rightcenter to score Timmons and put theBroncos back on top 4-3.

The Mexican club added to its lead inthe sixth when outfielder Joel Canales’single to right field scored Castañeda toincrease Reynosa’s lead 5-3. However,UTPA got out of the inning during thesame scoring play when third basemanOscar Romero tried to beat out a throw atthe plate, but was tagged out at home byEichel off a throw from freshman rightfielder Otis Powers.

Pan Am got the run back in the bottomhalf of the frame to close within one run,5-4, off sophomore Dustin Lee’s single toleft field that scored Mason from secondbase.

Reynosa proceeded to shut down theBronc offense for the last three innings ofthe game on the solid relief efforts ofNéstor Melendez, Martín Enriquez andOrlando Verdugo who combined to pitchthree innings of three-hit ball whilestriking out four UTPA batters in theprocess.

The Broncos added insurance runs inthe top of the eighth and ninth innings towin the international exhibition game 7-4.

“It (the game) was very even. Theyseem to have a lot of good players. Myrespect goes out to their boys,” saidReynosa pitching coach Florentino Duarteabout Pan Am’s players.

Despite the loss, first year head coachWillie Gawlik was satisfied with histeam’s performance against the Mexicanclub.

“We held our ground and we playedwell,” he said. “It was a great experiencefor us to be able to play against a proteam like that. You learn a lot of lessonswhen you play a pro team,” Gawlikadded. “They show you some things thatyou need to work on.”

Six Bronc pitchers allowed seven runsand scattered 14 hits in the loss while sixReynosa hurlers allowed four runs on 13hits.

“It helps us prepare to play againstsome good pitching and good defense. Ithelps us prepare for A&M,” Gawlik said,as his team prepares for a big upcomingthree-game series on the road againstTexas A&M.

In February, UTPA and the ReynosaBroncos baseball organization signed acontract to extend the border rivalry foranother three years.

Next season, the Broncs will play atReynosa with the series alternating sitesevery year.

This year’s game was originallyscheduled to be played in Mexico, but dueto ongoing renovation of Reynosa’sstadium, it was rescheduled to be playedat the Edinburg Baseball Stadium.

Last year, the Broncos defeated UTPA5-3 on a two-run dinger by Castañeda inthe top of the ninth inning before anidentical crowd of 1,604 that gathered atEdinburg Baseball Stadium.

In the inaugural game between thecross-border rivals in 2000, Reynosa beatPan Am 6-3 before a standing room onlycrowd of 4,746 at Jody Ramsey Stadium.

“This is a great thing for the city ofEdinburg and the city of Reynosa,” saidGawlik. “I think this will really grow intoa huge thing.”

The game was broadcast on Spanishlanguage radio station 1530 AM.

UTPA will visit Texas A&M at CollegeStation for a three-game series thiscoming weekend from March 7-9.

Triple-A equivalent squad defeats UTPA in anualmeeting of border rivals

By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American

Broncos best Broncs in baseball border bash

Lady Broncs downCentenary Ladies

UTPA closes out season at 7-21 following 87-82home win over Centenary

The University of Texas-Pan American women’sbasketball team defeated theCentenary Ladies, 87-82, toclose out the 2002-2003season in style last weekend.In doing so, they notchedtheir third win in four gamesand wrapped up the yearwith a 7-21 record on SeniorNight at the Fieldhouse.

The 87 points scored bythe Lady Broncs was aseason-high that eclipsed lastweek’s 77-point markachieved against IncarnateWord Feb. 25 at home.

Both teams had fiveplayers score in double-digits in the contested affairthat went back and forth allnight. Senior guard AlexGravel led the Lady Broncoffensive onslaught with 23points to end her playingcareer at UTPA as thewomen’s basketball all-timescoring leader with 1,227points. Senior center NaimaWilliams scored 16 points tofinish number two with

1,173 points. Five-foot-seven guard Amanda Carlowadded 15 points, JenniferPiwonka notched 14, andsenior forward Julie Portercontributed 10.

Centenary forward AlexisPettway led all scorers with24 points and also nabbed 10rebounds for a double-double.

The Lady Broncs had toplay catchup for most of thefirst half. Centenary took anine-point at 37-28 lead with4:16 to go, but Pan Am wenton a 10-0 run to close outthe first half with a slim 38-37 lead. Piwonka ledUTPA’s run with six pointswhile Carlow had two assistsand sank a jumper with 21seconds remaining in thefirst half to take the lead.

In the second half, thegame went back and forth.UTPA held the lead on 10different occasions while CCled nine times throughoutthe half.

After being tied 61-61with 11:42 remaining, PanAm went on a 14-6 run thatwas topped off by Williams’

layup at 6:08 that gave theLady Broncs an eight-pointat 75-67. However, theLadies stormed right backwith a 15-5 run to reclaimthe lead 82-80 when LindsayWay hit two free throwswith 1:11 left in the game.

UTPA didn’t give up. TheLady Broncs charged rightback to tie the game for the15th time, 82-82, on thestrength of an all-out teameffort that saw four of fiveorange-and-green playersscore at least one point inthe last minute of the game.Pan Am concluded the gamewith a 7-0 run when Gravelsank two free throws withthree seconds remaining inthe game to clinch the 87-82victory and close out theseason on a winning note.

“Everthing just cametogether. We knew we had tobeat Centenary. .We wantedto beat them bad,” saidWilliams.

With the win, UTPAimproved its home record to5-10 and 7-21 on the season.Centenary ended the season8-20.

Photo by Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American

Stacey Gooden drives to the hoop for a layup during a game against Incarnate Word.

By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American

THURSDAYMarch 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 feelthat Vanity

Fair columnistDame Edna’scommentswere unfairand racist ?

CAMPUS

■ 11th AnnualAid FairThe 11th AnnualFinancial AidFair will be heldThursday March6, from 9 a.m. to2 p.m. and from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. atthe Student UnionLobby. There willbe assistance with2003-2004 FreeApplication forFederal StudentAid (FAFSA) and1040A and1040EZ federaltax returns forstudents. There will be freefood, music anddoor prizesthrough out theevent. The fair issponsored byStudent FinancialServices.Admission isfree.

■ Possible Kidnapping?A young Valley girlwho was thought tohave beenkidnapped wasfound two hoursafter her motherreported hermissingWednesday. Policesay the little girlwas at the Don-WesFlea Market inDonna with hermother, when shewent to therestroom alone andnever came out.She was found twohours later in theWeslaco K-Mart.The case is stillunder investigation.

Gabriel O. Hernandez/The Pan American

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE?— Political science professor Sam Freeman speaks to the crowd Tuesday atthe peace rally that was held outside the library. Freeman was one of several speakers at the event,which drew over 100 people. See page 5 for related information.

Vanity Fair, one of America'smost famous monthly magazines,published a feature by one of theircolumnists, Dame Edna, that theysay insulted the Hispanicpopulation.

Edna, who is actually a mannamed Barry Humphries, is anAustralian comedian who writes anadvice column in the magazine. Thefashion magazine editors stated inNew California Media, that Edna isnot a person whose advice shouldbe taken seriously.

“In stark contrast to seriousadvice columns, Dame Edna takesher questioners' worst assumptionsand runs with them,” Vanity Faireditors said.

However, in the February 2003issue, Edna made some remarks thatmost of the Hispanic populationdisliked.

A reader asked Edna for adviceon what foreign language sheshould learn, and that a lot of

people were telling her to learnSpanish because eventuallyeveryone is going to speak it. Inresponse, Edna said to forgetSpanish because there is "nothing inthat language worth reading exceptDon Quixote." She also added thatthe Spanish language would be ofno use to her because the onlypersons who speak it are the help,or the leaf blowers.

Several individuals and activistsgroups have made it their missionto get an apology from themagazine and Edna herself. NewYork attorney Wendy Maldonadostarted an Internet petition to tryand solicit a printed apology fromEdna.

In a letter to the editor attached inthe e-mail forward, Maldonado saidEdna could have used othercomments to make her statementconcerning the subject, instead ofsaying bad things about the Latinocommunity.

“Dame Edna could have chosenany number of amusing responses,”Maldonado wrote. “However, sheresponded using cheap, two-

dimensional stereotypes of Latinos,revealing not only her racism, butalso her profound ignorance of whowe are.”

Juanita Garza, a University ofTexas-Pan American history andphilosophy professor, was inaccordance with Maldonado. Garzawas one of the recipients of the e-mail.

“I understand how they felt,”Garza said. “I got the e-mail sent byfriends [and] I understand it[because] we are always having toapologize for ourselves, and we aresick of it.”

Garza, as well as other Latinogroups and individuals offended byEdna, commented that they couldnot believe how the magazine hadpublished that article when Mexicanactress Salma Hayek was on the VFcover.

Maldonado, in her letter to theeditor, also wrote that she could notfigure out how they chose to featureHayek on the cover, and then run anarticle about her success in

VFair controversy ragesBy ARIANNA VAZQUEZThe Pan American

Valleymemberpushed

See RESPONSE page 6

Now that Gov. Rick Perry has announcedtwo of the three nominees for theUniversity of Texas System Board ofRegents, State Rep. Aaron Pena Jr., D-Edinburg, feels a Valley native should beappointed to serve on the nine-memberboard.

According to Pena, it is important tohave a representative from the Valley on theboard because they understand theeducational needs of the area. Because ofthe predominance of Hispanics in SouthTexas, Pena feels education is a top priority.

“Education is our one ticket out ofpoverty,” Pena said. “To have a powerfulbody such as the Board of Regents and nothave a representative from deep SouthTexas is an absolute crime.”

However, Wendy Bengal, assistant presssecretary for Perry, said the governor islooking for the best qualified applicant tofill the last seat in the board. She said whenlooking for a candidate, the governor looksat applicants from all over the state andhopes they will represent all of Texas whileserving their term on the board.

Bengal added the governor has beenworking on appointing the next candidate,but that no specific date has been set onwhen he plans to announce the finalnominee.

“As with any appointment, he looks forthe best qualified candidate,” Bengal said.“It’s a statewide board, they look into thebest interest of all of Texas, no matterwhere they are from.”

When approving a member of the Boardof Regents, the Senate NominationsCommittee will look in into candidatequalifications. Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa,D-McAllen, who is a member of thecommittee, said also considered are thecandidates’ commitment to public serviceand their experience in education.

During appointment period, Hinojosasaid the committee meets every Monday tomake decisions on the nomination. He saidmost board members come from theHouston, Dallas and Austin areas, but thathe hopes the governor will appointsomeone from the Valley.

“Somehow the Valley has beenneglected, but they have appointed

By JENNIFER TAPIAThe Pan American

See REGENTS page 6

■ Broncos down Broncs 15■ Stat Page. . . . . . . . . . .14■ Sports Clipboard . . . . .13

PAGE 16

SPORTS

The University of Texas-Pan American Broncssnatched two baseballvictories over the Islandersof Texas A&M-CorpusChristi in a doubleheaderlast Saturday. But theSunday finale of the three-game series belonged toTAMUCC as the Islanders(8-4) defeated the Broncs,7-3.

“We just gave themthe game,” UTPA headcoach Willie Gawliksaid. “We played poorfundamental baseball,but winning two ofthree against a goodteam was good for us.”

The Broncs cameout strong, shuttingdown the visiting teamin the first frame andwasted no time inrecording the first runof the game. Aftersenior BruceKennedy’s triple,sophomore Marco Garza’ssacrifice hit broughtKennedy home for thegame’s first score. Garzaalready has 17 RBI on theyear, in 17 games, tied withKennedy for the team lead.

UTPA (9-8) led 1-0 untilthe top of the third inningwhen Islander first basemanMike Schelkewy ripped asingle to right field to bringin Juan Landin forTAMUCC’s first score of

the day. But the tie score wouldn’t

last long. Later in theinning, with two runners onbase, Islander HumbertoAguilar smacked a three-runhome run over the right-field wall to make the score4-1 at the end of the third.

By the bottom of the fifthframe the Broncs answered.After Jerome McCoy fliedout to right field and BruceKennedy went downswinging, Garza reached

base with a double and latercrossed home plate on asingle by sophomore TonyOrtiz, leaving UTPA down4-2 at the end of five.

In the sixth inning,TAMUCC chased Broncstarter Ben DiOrio, as JaimeLandin singled with thebases loaded to plate a runand a later error allowedanother. After MichaelBruner scored on a singleby Garanzuay, Landin tried

to score from second basebut was gunned down fromcenter field by JonathanMason.

DiOrio (2-1) allowedeight hits and seven runs,four earned, and wasrelieved by Travis Parker,who threw 3 2/3 innings ofscoreless work.

Following the three-runsixth, the Islanders led 7-2and cruised their way totheir victory. UTPA addedanother run in the eighth as

a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Juan Saenz platedMatt Eichel, butTAMUCC shut downany hopes for acomeback in the 7-3loss.

Garza had a pair ofhits for the Broncs, asdid Tony Ortiz. Garzais hitting .386 so far,second on the team toLouie Alamia (.447)while Ortiz is clickingalong at .358, third onthe team.

“We depended on ourspeed and didn’t have manychances to make somethinghappen,” Gawlik said.

Despite the most recentloss for UTPA, the Broncswere able to sweep adoubleheader against theIslanders, winning the firstgame 15-2 and the second6-5.

In the first game of thetwinbill, Eichel and

Broncs take two of threeBy JUAN FLORESThe Pan American

Broncs take doubleheader against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, but fall short of sweep

Photos by Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American

(Above) - UTPA senior pitcher Ben DiOrio hurls a pitch during a doubleheader againstTAMUCC.(Below) - UTPA Sophomore Marco Garza rounds third base during a game againstTAMUCC.(Lower Right) - Garza slides across home plate.

We depended onour speed and

didn’t have manychances to make

somethinghappen.

““

- Willie Gawlik, UTPA head baseball coach

See BASEBALL page 13

VALLEY

Remember