the southwest texan - Southwest Texas Junior College

the southwest texan - Southwest Texas Junior College

THE SOUTHWEST TEXAN
The official publication of Southwest Texas Junior College
October 3, 2012
Vol. 74 Issue One
www.swtjc.edu
SWTJC Rodeo celebrates 50th year
The SWTJC Rodeo,
scheduled Oct. 4-6 at the Uvalde
County Fairplex, will celebrate
its 50th anniversary this year.
College
rodeo
athletes from across Texas and
southwestern Louisiana will
compete in men’s and women’s
divisions at the new covered
county rodeo arena. The event is sanctioned
by the Southern Region of the
National Intercollegiate Rodeo
Association (NIRA).
“It’s
our
50th
anniversary and we have several
added attractions planned for the
occasion,” SWTJC rodeo coach
Roy Angermiller said. “We are
very excited about being able to
use the outstanding new facility
the county now has available.”
Action in the threeday rodeo will begin on
Thursday, Oct. 4, with nightly
performances scheduled through
Oct. 6 starting at 7:30.
Slack is scheduled
Friday morning and Friday
night after the performance.
Additional slack will be held
Saturday morning.
Veteran Professional
Rodeo Cowboys Association
SWTJC 2012 Rodeo Team
(PRCA) clown and entertainer
Gizmo McCracken will perform
nightly as well as The One Arm
Bandit and Company from
Oklahoma, a 12-time winner of
the PRCA Specialty Act of the
Year Award.
This year’s rodeo will
also feature a finals performance
on Saturday night with the top
eight performers from the first
round earning spots in the
finals.
“We added a short go
on Saturday night so spectators
can see the cream of the crop
perform all in one night,”
Angermiller said. “It should be
an exciting three days of college
rodeo at its best.”
SWTJC teams will go
up against men’s and women’s
teams from Sam Houston State
University, Texas A&M College
Station, Texas A&M Kingsville,
McNeese State University (Lake
Charles, La.), Hill College,
Northeast Texas Community
College,
Trinity
Valley
Community College, Stephen
F. Austin State University and
Wharton Junior College.
In the men’s division,
competition will be held in
bareback bronc riding, calf
roping, steer wrestling, saddle
bronc riding, team roping and
bull riding. Events for the
women include barrel racing,
breakaway roping and goat
tying.
Tickets for nightly
performances are $8 pre-sale
and $10 at the gate. Local ticket
outlets include Texas Farm
Store, Rockin’ R Western Wear,
WalMart, Country Gardens and
Seed, Hondo National Bank,
Oasis Outback and the SWTJC
Administration Office.
Children 12 and under,
and SWTJC students who show
a current student ID, will be
admitted free of charge. SWTJC
faculty and staff can pick up
complimentary tickets at the
Administration Building.
Following Saturday’s
rodeo performance a dance is
scheduled in the fairplex event
center featuring Billy Mata and
the Texas Tradition.
The SWTJC Friends
and Alumni Network (FAN) will
be operating a full concession
stand with a variety of food and
drinks all three nights. Proceeds
from the concession stand will
be used to provide scholarships
to SWTJC.
Hubbard Hall needs repairs
to fix leaks in east wall
by Andrew Mitton
Southwest Texan reporter
Hubbard Hall’s wall
demolition has sparked many
questions -- the most prominent
question being why?
Construction
work
began on Hubbard Hall’s in mid
-September, with the bulk of the
work being done on the wall
facing Garner Hall.
According to SWTJC
Human Resources Coordinator
Oscar Garcia, who also serves
as Hubbard Hall supervisor, the
work is being done to address
problems
associated
with
Work is underway to repair the east wall on the Hubbard Hall Dorm in Uvalde. The work is being moisture getting inside the wall.
“The
facility
was
done to remedy water leaks in the wall. SWTJC Maintenance Director Jesse Martinez expects the
experiencing moisture from
repairs to be finished by the end of October.
outside, which created mildew
issues, drafts and other problems,”
Garcia said. “The maintenance
staff made several attempts to
seal the wall, but those attempts
did not work, so demolition was
ordered.”
SWTJC Director of
Maintenance Jesse Martinez
said maintenance staff are
re-insulating the wall and making
other preparations before new
brick is installed. Frank Rangel,
an outside contractor, will do the
brick work.
“We hope to have all
the work completed by the end of
October,” Martinez said. “A total
of five rooms are not occupied as
a result of the work.”
In addition to work
on the outside wall, dorm
supervisor Garcia also said other
improvements are being made or
under consideration for Hubbard
Hall.
“New furniture has
been added to the lobby, and the
old piano room will, once consent
has been given, be turned into
a fully-furnished TV room for
social gatherings,” Garcia said.
Garcia also noted that
electrical outlets have been
redone in an attempt to update
the hall’s hub. Future plans call
for all rooms in the dorm to be
refurnished, as funds become
available.
Palomino Fest draws record crowd,
nets $25,000 for scholarship fund
Biggest loser
contest starts
on October 8
Organizers
estimate
more than 13,000 people
attended the 2012 Palomino Fest
Labor Day Weekend Celebration
held Aug. 31 through Sept. at the
newly renovated Uvalde County
Fairplex.
“There is no real way
to have an exact number, but
we estimate just over 13,000
people attended this year’s
festival,” event coordinator
Wade Carpenter said. “It was by
far the largest crowd we have
ever had.”
A “Biggest Loser” contest
is on tap starting Oct. 8 on the
SWTJC Uvalde campus.
The contest is being
sponsored by the Eta Beta
Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa the
international honor society for
two-year colleges.
“We think this will be a
fun way for students and staff to
improve their health by losing
a few pounds,” chapter advisor
Barbara Blair said.
Contestants can sign up
to participate in the Matthews
Student Center on Thursday and
Friday, Oct. 4-5.
Following the first weigh
in, on either Oct. 8 or Oct. 9,
participants will be required to
weigh in each week on the same
day of the week. The contest will
end on Nov. 30.
Penalty for missing the
weekly weigh-in will be the
addition of five pounds to your
previous week’s weight.
Top prizes will be given
to one male and one female
student and one male and one
female faculty/staff member.
Winners will be determined by
the percentage of weight lost.
A grand prize will be
presented the participant, staff
or student, who loses the highest
percentage of weight.
Carpenter thanked all
the volunteers for helping with
this year’s festival.
“We couldn’t have
done it without our wonderful
volunteers, many of whom are
on the staff at Southwest Texas
Junior College,” Carpenter said.
“I also want to thank the Uvalde
County Sheriff’s Department for
all their help and support.”
Johnny Arreola of Los
Palominos presented a $25,000
check to SWTJC President-Elect
Hector Gonzales on Tuesday,
Sept. 18, from proceeds at this
year’s festival.
“Los Palominos are
very pleased to make our largest
single-year
contribution
to
the college scholarship fund,”
Arreola said. “We thank our
sponsors, all the volunteers,
Wade Carpenter and all the
college staff for working handin-hand to make this year’s event
the best Palomino Fest ever.”
Festival
coordinator
Wade Carpenter said that the total
amount donated to the college
since it became the festival
Los Palominos band member Johnny Arreola (right) presents a check
for $25,000 to SWTJC President-Elect Dr. Hector Gonzales.
beneficiary eight years ago now
stands at just over $100,000.
“Before this year, the
largest single-year contribution
was $10,000,” Carpenter said. “I
join Los Palominos in thanking
everyone for their help and
support of this year’s event.”
Corn may be part of our weight problem
by Elvia Valdes & Anisha Hindocha
Phi Theta Kappa members
Corn or maize originated
in Mexico and eventually was
cultivated in the rest of the
Western Hemisphere, Europe,
Africa, and Asia.
Our ancient ancestors ate
a diet based on corn that required
long, hard labor to grow. Today,
much of our food is corn-based
but our daily activity has been
reduced to a minimum amount.
If we are still eating corn and
doing little work to produce it,
why do we have health problems
that Native Americans didn’t
have?
There are three main
reasons why we are facing health
problems that may be related
to the consumption of corn:
genetically modified corn, the
presence of high fructose corn
syrup in many of our processed
foods, and a passive life style. A
possible solution to this problem
is a change in life style.
Genetically modified
food is designed to increase
production or improve the
quality of the product by making
it resistant to pests, plant disease,
or drought. However, the genetic
INDEX
Stay connected with SWTJC
changes also affect the digestive
process. According to the World
Health Organization, modified
food is in general safe to consume
although it can cause allergic or
toxic reactions and problems in
digesting the food.
The presence of high
fructose corn syrup in much of
the food we consume contributes
to obesity in our society. It is
present in iced tea mixes, fruit
drinks, soft drinks, yogurts,
cereals, bread, soups, and many
other foods. Corn syrup made
from genetically modified corn
may also be more difficult
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to digest and contributes to
health issues such as diabetes.
According to Jennifer K. Nelson,
R.D., L.D., studies about corn
syrup are being conducted.
Genetically modified
food and the consumption of
corn syrup is something to be
aware of, but what we need to do
is change our life style.
Many people say, “I
know I should lose weight, or
stop smoking, or stop drinking
too much but ...”
According
to
Dr.
Mehmet Oz in the September
17th issue of Time Magazine,
what people really mean is “Just
not today.” Poor choices and
unhealthy lifestyles result in
diabetes, clogged arteries, high
blood pressure, lung cancer,
arthritis, and other serious
health problems. Two-thirds of
Americans are overweight and,
according to Dr. Oz, 600,000 of
us are killed by cardiovascular
disease every year.
So, how do we get past
the “I know I should but ...” stage
and make healthier choices? A
2012 study explored the power
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Page 2 • Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 3, 2012
Campus Views
Who are you
You have a voice, so make a choice
voting for in the by Andrew Mitton
Southwest Texan Uvalde Columnist
presidential
With the presidential election and national level and the events surrounding them shape the
coming
up
in less than a month, I can’t future of us all. So why not try and find out who you think is best
election and why?
help but wonder why so many people
“I’m voting for Romney,
because he’s the lesser of
two evils.”
Jacob Saucedo
Uvalde
“Obama. I believe four
years wasn’t enough
to prove what he can
do because of Bush’s
previous mistakes that
led to the downfall of the
economy.”
Anthony Aguilar
Eagle Pass
“Obama, I feel he is
more trustworhty and
responsible.”
Elizabeth Stoneham
Eagle Pass
“Obama, because I feel like
he’s headed in the right
direction.”
Angie Moore
Uvalde
seem unwilling to follow what’s going
on in politics? Even more worrisome is
why so many people don’t even bother to
vote.
There are literally millions
of Americans who never vote, or even
register to vote. In Texas alone, there are over five million
eligible voters who don’t even bother to register and in the
2008 General Election only six out of ten registered voters
actually voted.
I have also noticed that many of the people who don’t
register or bother to vote are constantly complaining out loud,
preaching to whoever is near, about how the previous or
present president was not, or is not, doing their job.
The same people who say President Bush was this
and he was that or President Obama hasn’t done this or hasn’t
done that, those same individuals have never followed the
real issues, or read the actual numbers, have never tried to
understand the leaders running our country.
Many of those individuals who do not vote, seem to
be the ones who try to question everyone else’s beliefs and
political views. They try to conjure up skepticism and disbelief.
Controversy makes the common man wonder, who am I really
voting for? Which man really is the better man?
And unless you actually read about the candidates and
follow the news on TV, or internet, then you won’t be able to
come to your own informed conclusion appropriately. You’ll
have to guess or sit it out.
Keep in mind that the people elected at the local, state
for the job?
Too many people are indifferent when it comes to politics.
They think “Ah, leave it to the politicians and the educated
wealthy.” Imagine living in a country where you have no voice,
or a country where democracy doesn’t exist. Imagine the harsh
reality that many people around the world have to live in from
day to day, as they are unable to simply choose.
Guess what, we each have viable opinions, so use your own, not
your parent’s or your friend’s. Generation Y is so disconnected
there may as well be a German shepherd or cactus running our
country.
World events and problems in America are important.
So help everyone else in the process of electing an official to
represent all of us. Together we are one, but without every citizen
using a right that many have died for, then we are nothing, and
those sacrifices were for nothing.
It is your right as a citizen to vote. You can’t vote for our president
if you’re not registered. You can’t vote if you’re a felon and
you definitely can’t vote if you don’t care at all. So what’s your
excuse?
Don’t be one of those people who know nothing about
the business of selecting a leader for everyone. Don’t be one of
those people who complain but contribute nothing.
Stand up and get out there America. Get out there citizens
of Uvalde County. Get out there students of Southwest Texas
Junior College.
Get out there and be active. Register to vote and then
help out as we the people stand side by side and give our votes
to the candidate each one of us believes is best suited for the
job.
Don’t wait — tomorrow may be too late
by Susey Marquez
Southwest Texan Eagle Pass Columnist
Days passed and weeks went by.
Before I knew it a year was gone and I
still had not seen my old friend, Letty.
We became friends in the second
grade and remained close all the way
through high school. Letty and I used
to do everything together – shopping,
eating, studying. She was like my sister
from another mother.
Then we graduated from high school and Letty left for
college at St. Edwards University. It was a bittersweet feeling.
I was so proud of her for her accomplishment, but sad to see
her leave. Our lives started to change; now I did not have my
best friend by my side anymore. I had to go shop alone and
make new friends.
Years went by and I got married and it was another
bittersweet moment in my life. My best friend Letty did
not attend because she had an emergency and had to go to
Louisiana.
When I had my first child Arianna, Letty was in town and
came to see us and brought Arianna a welcoming gift, but then
she had to leave again. Eventually she met a man, fell in love,
got married and had a baby boy.
The sharing time of our lives was no longer there. Letty
was a grown woman with a family and I had my own family,
as well. We never found time for our friendship.
Sometimes I felt as if I was playing a game of cat and
mouse, saying, “I will call my friend tomorrow, just to let her
know I care”. But hundreds of tomorrows came and went and no
call was ever made. The distance between us kept growing.
Finally, from hundred miles away, I received a horrible
message saying, “Letty just died.” It felt like a part of me was
torn out and stepped on. It was devastating. I could not cry or
scream. I was in a deep state of shock.
As I tried to get things arranged so I could go to her funeral,
I felt confused and mad at myself. I could have done the same
thing just to visit her or call her and let her know how much our
friendship meant to me. That is why after this incident I learned
something very valuable and important in my life. Don’t wait for
tomorrow. Tomorrow is too late.
Sometimes we get caught up in our routine lives and don’t
say what we want or need to say. So, for that reason alone, if
you like or love someone say it. Remember always say what you
want to say. Never have fear of expressing yourself.
Take the opportunity to tell that friend how much
he/she means to you. Take each day to the fullest and
don’t just let the days slip by. Most important keep
close to your family and friends because they are the
ones who have helped you become the person you are
today. They should be the most important people in
your life.
Pass this lesson to your friends and family. Let this
message make a difference in your life and in others as
well. And remember, the difference between expressing
love and regret is -- you can be sorry forever.
Embrace your mane attraction
by Marina Escamilla
Southwest Texan Uvakde Columnist
“I’m voting for Romney,
because he wants to reduce
federal spending and take
out Obama care because it
is going to put us in worse
debt.”
Ramon Rodriguez
Del Rio
“Obama, I like the plans
and rights he has for
immigrants.”
Vanessa Munoz
Eagle Pass
It’s all about coming to terms with
yourself and your identifier, mine being
my hair. Anyone who has unruly hair
knows what it takes to master the art of
taming the beast. For anyone who wishes
they had different hair. STOP. Embrace
your hair and work it.
Before I go on, stop listening to poker
face, stop listening to bad romance, and stop listening to born
this way. I’m going to assume you already know what I’m
talking about at this point, if you don’t then you must live in a
pop cultural pit.
Lady Gaga has this special song that I believe, for obvious
reasons, is extremely remarkable and underrated. The title
is self-explanatory; “Hair,” track 6 of Born This Way, five
minutes and seven seconds to make you feel like you are on
top of the world. I’m not kidding. Go listen to it and tell me
that you didn’t get the chills. To prove my point, Gaga played
a piano only version of this song for Howard Stern and he got
all choked up about it. I mean look at his hair, he isn’t ashamed
to embrace it.
Hair in general holds more of your soul and character than
any other part of your body. People can’t tell who you are by
your foot, arm, or nose, but you’ve got a head and hair on top
of it.
My hair makes me feel like a mermaid. You know when
you’re swimming and your hair is being carried by the water?
Or when you’re finished swimming and you have “beach hair?”
That’s how I feel every day. I may be glamorizing it to myself,
but it works for me.
When you go out for dinner and your waitress asks if you and
your friends are part of a hair club, because each one of you has
their own personal style that gives you more self-empowerment
than being complimented on a shirt you’re wearing that you know
millions of other people own.
Don’t get me wrong, embracing your hair has its share of
pitfalls. Many people relate anything but straight hair to things like
unprofessionalism or uncleanliness. Some find people with natural
hair unapproachable. To those people, I say, Where Do You Get Off?
It takes effort to live with whatever hair your born with and not try
to make it “acceptable.“ But most importantly it takes a person of
courage to live above the stereotype of how hair should be done.
Then there are the never-ending questions. Perhaps I should
stick a list of frequently asked questions on my back in order
to put some curiosities to rest. My favorite question, which my
mother constantly bothers me about, “Why don’t you brush your
hair?” You cannot fathom the catastrophic mess I would be left
with if I brushed my hair.
Then there’s the MOST frequently asked question, “Can you
give me some hair?” I mean, the shedding is endless so you may
want to rethink that one. And yes, my hair is so big because it IS
full of secrets.
What am I trying to say? I was born this way. This goes for
anyone with any type of hair, male or female. You can’t hide who
you are when we can all see your hair.
You are your hair.
Campus Views
Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 3, 2012 • Page 3
Who are you
voting for in the
presidential
election and why?
My generation needs more ambition
by Orlando Vicuna
Southwest Texan Del Rio Columnist
In
my
opinion
my
generation lacks ambition. There is no
motivation in us to achieve anything
in life. We have no desire to want to
improve ourselves or our country.
People seem to be more
concerned with hanging out at the bars
or clubs rather than focusing on their
studies. It’s like nowadays people just
go to college to party, rather than to
learn. I have noticed a lot of my peers
don’t even try in school. I don’t even think most of them pay
attention in class.
From the simplest minded student to the most intelligent,
they are one in the same. Neither one pushes themselves to their
fullest potential. I have a cousin that I can truly say is really smart.
Ever since he was a little kid he always received straight A’s in
school. It seemed so easy for him to get good grades. It almost
seems he didn’t even try. As he got older, his grades began to
slip.
“I’m for Mitt Romney,
because he is pro-life.”
Mary Chapa
Del Rio
One day I asked my cousin why don’t you try in school
anymore? You know you can really become somebody important
and do something really big in your life. My cousin replied, “For
what? Why should I even push myself? My whole life I always got
good grades and nobody ever gave me anything. My friends would
always get bad grades and their parents gave them everything. I
don’t see why I should really try in school anymore. As long as I
get by I’ll be fine with that.”
It was really sad when I heard him say that; I know that’s
“Obama, because he has done
a lot for minorities.”
Kiara Garza
Uvalde
“I’m not planning on voting.”
Kimberly Tijerina
Del Rio
his own place. Most people would say he is successful. But I can’t
help but think to myself is he really successful? Sure he has a good
paying job and has his own place, but with the intelligence that
God gave him, I know he could have been so much more.
I also feel that the reason why a lot of us don’t try is because many
of the teachers don’t demand much from their students. I’m not
sure if it’s just the school standards that have gone down or if it’s
just the teachers cutting us a break.
A majority of students can barely read and most of them
don’t write well. Teachers are not doing us any justice by passing
us when we don’t deserve it. Teachers should give us the grades we
truly deserve. Make us repeat the courses if we need to and then
maybe we’ll learn something. Don’t send us out into the world
with a false sense of accomplishment when we don’t really know
anything.
I read once that older generations fear for our future because
they believe once they are gone and it’s up to us to take control of the
country we will fail miserably.
I don’t blame them for thinking this, but I’m going to give us
the benefit of the doubt and believe that we will eventually change our
ways for the better.
I know that ultimately we cannot put the blame on the
teachers or anybody else. In the end, it is up to each individual
student to get the most out of their education by pushing themselves
to succeed. So, I encourage everybody to give their studies their
best this fall and to have a great semester. Ready to exercise my privilege
by Allyssa Brewster
Southwest Texan Editor
These last few months, my excitement
level has been at an all time high. No, I’m not
getting a new car, or getting to go on some
all inclusive vacation to the Bahamas. It may
come as a surprise to you, it kind of did for
me, but the thing I’m excited about is getting
to vote in the presidential election for my
VERY first time.
Last time, my 18th birthday was exactly a
month after the presidential election so I missed
it by the skin of my teeth. I was so disappointed. But this year, I am fired up,
educated on both candidates and ready to go.
My excitement comes from the idea that voting is a privilege. What
does the word privilege mean to you? In the dictionary it is defined as: “a
right, immunity or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of
most.”
Voting is a privilege, but it is more than that. One description of
voting I read described it as “a moral responsibility as an eligible
citizen.” I look at those two definitions and am totally baffled as
to why anyone would NOT take advantage of their opportunity to
vote.
To me the word privilege shouldn’t be taken lightly. To be
given a privilege is an honor. You’re supposed to take advantage
of privileges you have, and do something with them. Privileges
aren’t supposed to be passed up.
But to some, they look at voting and think “Oh, my one
tiny little vote won’t matter.” Or, they don’t like the candidates or
“I am voting for Romney
because he is pro-life.”
Elaine Schlichting
Uvalde
the case with a lot of people I know that are around my age, who
don’t even care to push themselves to succeed.
Anyway, now my cousin has a good paying job and has
don’t have enough time or any of a variety of excuses I’ve heard
people use.
Yes, your one vote might not be the deciding factor, but
if you along with a majority of other citizens agree on the same
candidate or party, or you feel like you connect with them and
can see a future in that candidate leading our country, as a group
of like thinkers you can make a difference.
Even if you don’t value and think along the same lines as one
of the two presidential candidates, there has got to be something that
one of the candidates is for that you also support. And one of the two
is going to be president whether you or I like it or not, so why not take
a look at each candidate and try to determine which one shares the
same values that you believe in.
Steve Frantzich, professor of political science at the U.S.
Naval Academy in relation to voting and its importance said “You
can’t win if you don’t play”.
Election outcomes are determined by ONLY those who
participate. So what’s your role going to be in this year’s election?
Are you going to sit on the sideline and do nothing, or are you
going to take action?
One of the best things about living in the great country of
America is all the freedoms and privileges we have and to me it’s
sad to see them taken for granted and passed up.
This year’s General Election is only a month away. I’m excited
about exercising my privilege and voting for the President of the
United States.
I hope you will join me on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Don’t forget to register to vote
Last chances to register at the SWTJC Uvalde Campus will be
October 4 and October 8 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Matthews Student Center
The
Southwest
Texan
T h e o f f i c i al publication of S outhw est T exas Junior College
Uvalde | Eagle Pass | Crystal City | Del Rio
“Romney, because he has
the pulse of the nation. It
is the economy that is the
problem and the Democrats
are distracted by other things.”
Esther Chapoy
Del Rio
THE SOUTHWEST TEXAN, an official publication of Southwest Texas Junior College, is written and
produced by the students of the Communications Department. Students on THE SOUTHWEST TEXAN
staff are responsible for all aspects of the newspaper’s production.
Letters to the editor are welcomed. Letters should be signed and contain no more than 150 words to be
considered for publication.
THE SOUTHWEST TEXAN is published monthly. Ad rates are $2 per column inch. The newspaper does
not reflect the views and opinions of Southwest Texas Junior College Administration or staff.
THE SOUTHWEST TEXAN newsline number is 830-591-7350.
Uvalde
The Southwest Texan Staff
Editors: Allyssa Brewster
Chris Conrad, Marina Escamilla, Claudia Esparza, Andrew Mitton, Kassandra Reyna
Del Rio
“I’m planning on voting for
Obama because Romney
wants to lower taxes for
the rich.”
Cassandra Trevino
Del Rio
Jose Villarreal, Orlando Vicuna
Eagle Pass
Lidia Rosado, Susey Marquez
Willie Edwards - Advisor
Ismael Martinez- Assistant Advisor
2401 Garner Field Road Uvalde, Texas
[email protected]
Page 4 • Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 3, 2012
Photo Page
Welcome
Back
Photos by: Andrew Mitton, Lidia Rosado, Claudia Rodriguez, Orlando Vicuna
Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 3, 2012 • Page 5
News
On Del Rio campus
Construction
coming soon
by Jose Villarreal
Southwest Texan Reporter
Work is scheduled to
begin this fall on a $7.2 million
building project for the SWTJC
Del Rio campus.
According to SWTJC
Associate Dean Dr. Mark
Underwood, a new academic
building
of
approximately
32,000 square feet will include
new classrooms, computer labs,
faculty offices, two science labs
and a student lounge.
The building will be
built on the current student
parking lot. A new student
parking lot is included in the
project.
Also included in the
new plans is a 5,900 square-foot
administration building. The
old administration building will
become a student activities area
offering space for clubs and a
large student meeting room.
Dean
Underwood
said the new building has
been in the planning stages
for
around
two
years.
Ferrell/Brown
and
Associates of Corpus Christi are
architects for the project. Once
the SWTJC board approves final
blueprints, the project will be put
out for bids.
During
construction,
next spring the nursing classes
will have to be relocated.
When asked if the
construction would interrupt
other classes, Dean Underwood
said, “There will be some
inconvenience, there will be
noise, there will be rerouting
traffic for students to get used to,
but it will be worth it in the end
and we are excited.”
Del Rio students Joseph Jenkins (left) and Emiliano Hernandez study a scale model of the new construction
project scheduled for the SWTJC Del Rio campus.
Fall enrollment is up slightly at SWTJC
Official fall enrollment is
up nearly five percent this year,
according to SWTJC Dean of
Admissions Joe Barker.
In his report at the monthly
meeting of the SWTJC Board of
Trustees, Barker said the increase
in enrollment this fall is bucking
the state trend.
“Only nine of the 38
community
colleges
that
have already reported this
fall’s enrollment are reporting
increases in headcount and we
are certainly glad to be one of
them,” Barker said. “This is
encouraging news.”
The official headcount this
fall is 5,923 compared to 5,664
a year ago, a 4.6% increase.
Total contact hours are also up
approximately 2%, Barker told
the board.
“A good deal of our increase
in enrollment is from dual credit
students who usually don’t take
more than six hours, so that’s
the main reason our increase in
contact hours is lower than our
increase in headcount,” Barker
said.
However, Barker said an
increase in dual credit usually
translates
into
increased
enrollment and contact hours in
future years.
“We looked at data going
back several years and when dual
credit enrollment increases that
is a good indicator of an upward
trend in the future,” Barker said.
A breakdown of enrollment
by site shows Uvalde with 1,347
students, Eagle Pass with 1,362,
Del Rio with 978 and Crystal
New service club seeking
members on Uvalde campus
and organizing social activities.
Club sponsors hope to
help the community by taking
on projects such as helping with
food distribution at the local food
pantry and organizing a team for
Uvalde’s annual Relay for Life.
There is no academic
requirement to be part of the
club.
The club is being sponsored
by the Uvalde Rotary Club. Rotary
International, a global network
of community volunteers, is one
of the largest and most influential
(Continued from page 1)
humanitarian
of the collective, looking at the international
weight-loss rate among people service organizations in the
in groups who succeeded at a world.
12-week diet. The people divided
Today, Rotary International
themselves into groups, stayed boasts over 1.2 million members
in regular communication over and more than 190,000 Rotaract
the Internet and competed with clubs in some 200 countries and
other teams to see who could
geographical areas.
lose the most at the end of 12
Sponsoring
Rotarians
weeks. At the end of the study,
for the club include SWTJC
members of the most motivated
and successful groups lost 5% of faculty and staff members Laura
Whipple, Julie Thomas, Stephen
their body weight.
Let’s get motivated, Kerbow and Dick Whipple.
For more information,
join a group, and encourage each
other to make healthy choices— students can e-mail lwhipple@
swtjc.edu
starting today, not tomorrow.
A new club is looking for
members on the Uvalde campus
as it tries to organize this fall
semester.
Rotaract is a volunteer
service
and
professional
development club for male and
female students. The club’s
mission is to provide members
the opportunity to participate
in service projects, as well as
networking with other members
*‘Corn’
City with 182.
Eagle Pass leads the region
in dual enrollment students, with
346 enrolled at Eagle Pass High
and 179 enrolled at CC Winn.
This fall’s enrollment is the
second highest in school history.
The all-time record enrollment
of 6,235 students was set in the
fall of 2010.
Eagle Pass
welcomes
fall students
by Lidia Rosado
Southwest Texan Reporter
Over 300 hot dogs were
served in Eagle Pass on Sept.
13, at the annual Welcome Back
lunch hosted by the student
activities office.
“It was a good turnout
and I think everyone enjoyed
the event,” student activities
coordinator Claudia Rodriguez
said.
In addition to hot dogs,
students were also served chips
and drinks. Tables were set up
under canopies in the grassy area
SWTJC Eagle Pass students enjoy themselves at the Welcome Back event on Sept. 13.
outside the student lounge.
Sul Ross Rio Grande
College also participated and held
a raffle for students attending the
event.
A voter registration drive we will turn them in to the local few more before the deadline.”
The Student Activities
conducted by the staff of The election officials.”
Voter’s must turn in Office also hosted a Constitution
Southwest Texan will be offering
According
to
Texan registration cards by Oct. 9 in Day event on Sept. 17.
students and staff a last-minute co-advisor Ismael Martinez, order to be eligible for this year’s
Next event scheduled
chance to register in time for the a total of 31 students have General Election.
slated by the student activities
Nov. 6 General Election.
registered during the registration
In Texas, early voting will office will be a guest speaker on
“Registration cards will drive which began on Sept. 20.
be held from Oct. 22 through Oct. 4 in observance of Hispanic
be available in the Matthews
“We had a table set up in Nov. 2.
Heritage Month.
Student Center starting at 11 the student center on Sept. 20
To apply for a ballot by
Plans are also being
a.m. on Oct. 4 and Oct. 8,” editor and again on National Voter mail, the application must be finalized for the annual Fall
Allyssa Brewster said. “All you Registration Day on Sept. 25,” received by the county voter Festival scheduled on the Eagle
have to do is fill out a card and Martinez said. “We hope to get a registration office by Oct. 30.
Pass campus on Oct. 23.
Voter registration drive continues
(830) 279-3001
Page 6 • Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 3, 2012
News
Del Rio
students
welcomed
Burger bash
welcomes
back students
in Uvalde
by Orlando Vicuna
Southwest Texan Reporter
SWTJC Del Rio hosted
its yearly Welcome Back party
for students on Sept. 13. The
event was staged in back of the
academic building.
“We had approximately
350 participants,” student life
coordinator Eva De Anda said.
“Thanks to the students for
coming and to the staff and
student volunteers for cooking
and serving the food.”
De Anda said students were
served hot dogs, hamburgers,
Del Rio students line up for burgers and hot dogs at the Fall 2012 Welcome Back event.
chips and drinks, from 11 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. and again from 4:30 some who come just in the Student Government Association the academic building.
Day observance on Sept. 17.
to 6 p.m.
In addition to the welcome Drinks and snacks were served.
evening. We didn’t want anyone and Phi Theta Kappa International
Honor Society were also on hand back event, the student activities
The student activities office
“We have students who to miss out,” De Anda said.
The SWTJC Del Rio recruiting new members inside office also hosted a Constitution has additional events planned
come just in the morning and
Wildlife students score at state conference
This past summer students
and graduates of the SWTJC
Wildlife Management Program
joined program director Bob
Zaiglin as part of the antler
scoring committee at the 14th
Annual Texas Deer Association
Convention held in San Antonio.
Current students on the
scoring team included Luke Stone
and Hayden Benton. Graduates
of the program, including Luke
Wright, Brandon Stoddard and
Javier Hernandez, also assisted
Zaiglin.
In addition to calibrating
and recording a total of 8,818.5
inches of antler from 39 sets
developed by bucks raised in
breeding facilities, Zaglin said
his students had the opportunity
to network with a wide range of
deer enthusiasts from as far away
as China.
“As I have done in the
past, I selected some of our top
students to assist me and they
did an outstanding job,” Zaiglin
said. “It was good experience for
the students and they made some
contacts that may help them
down the road.”
SWTJC is the only twoyear college in the state to offer
an Associate of Applied Science
Degree in wildlife management.
To read more about the
recent Texas Deer Association
Convention and other entries by
Zaiglin, go to huntingnet.com,
click on the journal tab and look
for the entry by Zaiglin entitled:
“Measuring Antlers at Texas
Deer Association Convention.”
Speaker planned
For Hispanic Heritage Month in Eagle Pass
Eagle
Pass
City
Attorney Heriberto Morales,
Jr., will be the guest speaker on
the SWTJC Eagle Pass campus
Heriberto Morales, Jr.
on October 4 as part of Hispanic
Heritage Month.
A graduate of Eagle
Pass High School, Morales holds
a bachelor’s degree from UT
Austin and his law degree from
St. Mary’s University in San
Antonio.
According to Claudia
Rodriguez, student activities
director at SWTJC Eagle Pass,
Morales will speak at 11 a.m. in
Room C119
“Mr. Morales is taking
time out of his busy schedule to
come to our campus and I hope we
have a good turnout of students
and staff,” Rodriguez said.
Wildlife management students assisted program director Bob Zaiglin in scoring antlers
at the Texas Deer Association Convention held this summer in San Antonio. Pictured are
(l-r) Luke Wright, Hayden Benton, Luke Stone, Zaiglin and Brandon Stoddard.
by Claudia Esparza
Southwest Texan Reporter
SWTJC Uvalde Director
of Student Activities Jessica
Nuñez-Gonzalez announced that
a hungry crowd of 467 students
showed up for a free hamburger
lunch at the Welcome Back fall
event on Sept. 12 in Uvalde.
“The turnout was great
and we had more than enough
help from volunteers this time
around,” Nuñez-Gonzalez said.
“Thanks to everyone.”
In conjunction with the
lunch, student organizations
were also represented at the
event giving out information
about their respective groups.
Clubs
and
organizations
participating
include
the
Business Administration Club,
men’s and women’s basketball
teams, Student Activity Board,
Student Ambassadors, Rotoract
Club, Veteran’s Club, Phi Theta
Kappa, Catholic Club, Criminal
Justice Club and Mariachi Los
Vaqueros de SWTJC.
“We had good participation
from campus organizations,”
Nuñez-Gonzalez said. “This
gives our students an opportunity
to find out about extracurricular
activities and to meet new
friends.”
Next project for the
Student Activities Office is the
celebration of Hispanic Heritage
Month. Other activities on tap
this fall include participation in
the Uvalde Homecoming parade,
the Thanksgiving feast and
Christmas party.
The Student Activities
Office is located in the Matthews
Student Center, next to the
Student Activities Lounge where
students can study, meet new
people, watch television or just
hang out.
“Our doors are always open
and I encourage students to come
by for a visit,” Nuñez-Gonzalez
said.
For more information about
upcoming events contact NuñezGonzalez at 591-7266.
Stuck under a math cloud?
We can help!
Student Success Centers at SWTJC have
only one goal — YOUR SUCCESS.
Our services are available to all students
in all subject areas. We especially want to help
with your math classes and will have math
tutors available for a wide range of courses
from college algebra to calculus.
Centers are open in Uvalde, Del Rio and
Eagle Pass.
In addition to tutoring, our centers offer
a variety of other assistance including study
groups, organizational strategies, career and
academic counseling.
Please let our friendly staff and tutors
help you make the most of your educational
experience.
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTERS — WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!
Creative Corner
Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 3, 2012 • Page 7
The Sweetest Fruit
by Andrew Mitton
I indiscrimintately devour the dust that was once mankind,
as though it were the ripe flesh of discovery,
sacrificing my wasted time..
for thought.
As the earth,
and sky,
kiss and writhe,
as seas of obscenities boil over...
so it is my passion for life,
my passion for truth,
don’t you realize, the purest love comes from sacrifice?
Childlike love, and sacrifice.
I long for mankind’s tranquility like a thousand dying worlds long for rebirth,
as the scorched ground longs for redeeming rain,
as I am shaman of the asphalt walkers,
speaking of poetry being a polaroid of the soul.
Do you hear that deep in the night?
The sound of countless swine mindlessly screaming...
It’s not hogs,
that is the sound of the fallen,
challenging eternity.
John Twice — by Armando Quiroz
Mid-October’s Night
by Alycia Mieth
As she gazed out the window
Where the moon shined bright
Watched ever so calmly the seas
Which swayed in the restless night
Cloistered within her high tower
Her soul flickered with a warm light
Locked away from the world
The Moon heard her cries long into the night
Sitting near the window
With a rose clutched tight
She listened to the winds of Time
Ever flowing through the prolonged deep night
The silvery Orb silently beckoned her
She was consumed by the wondrous sight
Held fast and true and without a word
She disappeared into the cold, dark night
So the stories speak of the pretty, sweet lass
As she let her wings take flight
She flew deep into the Forest
On a mid-October’s night
Netting — by Rose Kelly
The Table
by Lisa Fitzsimmons
The table was simple, nothing fancy, nothing new,
Scratched and scuffed from years of use, the Formica top still bright blue,
Every night the family gathered, seven chrome chairs, side by side,
Four little daughters and a son, their Father and his bride.
It held the family together, the glue of lives that matter
Birthdays and holiday celebrations, hours of family chatter
The table served as a sewing station, with patterns and flour-sack dresses
And stayed solid through its days, with all the spills and mealtime messes
Otis — by Isaac E. Rodriguez
The table played host to homework, endless bills and crushed romances,
G.I. Joe jungle lands, racetracks and Ken and Barbie prom dances.
Many hours of cards and board games, some won and many lost,
Brought both smiles and tears to the allowances it cost.
Years passed and the children left one by one,
Each sharing a new table with families of their own,
Starting life and new memories of laughter and tears
Hoping their table holds the love for an eternity of years.
But the simple table is no longer, it was traded for one of wood,
Stored away with family secrets, speaking if it could.
The Father and his bride are gone, the daughters and son are left,
To remember all their tears and laughter, the lives the table kept.
Perilous City — by Patricia Bosze
Poetry submitted by students in Terri Tucker’s class. Artwork submitted by students of Abel Ortiz.
Sports
Page 8 • Southwest Texas Junior College • The Southwest Texan • October 3, 2012
Coach Angermiller has high hopes in 2012
Returning standouts, talented newcomers
have coach optimistic about rodeo season
Schedule of events
2012 SWTJC Rodeo
DAY/DATE
Thursday, Oct. 4
Friday, Oct. 5
Saturday, Oct. 6
Event
Rodeo Performance
Slack
Rodeo Performance
Slack
Slack
Rodeo Performance
*(Short Go)
Dance
Billy Mata/Texas Tradition
Time
7:30 p.m.
Noon
7:30 p.m.
After performance
9:00 a.m.
7:30 p.m.
After performance
*Saturday night’s performance will feature the top eight qualifiers from
scores and times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning..
All rodeo action will be at the new arena at the Uvalde County
Fairplex. Saturday’s dance will be at the Fairplex Events Center.
SWTJC faculty and staff can pick up complimentary tickets at the
Administration Building. SWTJC students who show a current ID
at the gate will be admitted free of charge.
by Christopher Conrad
Southwest Texan Reporter
With 32 athletes on the
roster, his largest team in several
years, SWTJC rodeo coach Roy
Angermiller has high hopes as
the 2012-2013 season begins.
“We’ve got a good core
of returning team members and
some talented newcomers,”
Angermiller said. “I’m looking
forward to a successful
season.”
Returning standouts on
the men’s team include Jarrett
New of Wimberly and Tyler
Wojciechowski of Tarpley.
“Jarrett and Tyler are
both multiple-event cowboys
who performed well last
year,” Angermiller said. “I’m
definitely counting on them to
lead the men’s team.”
On the women’s team,
Morgann McDonald of Uvalde
and Catherine Asmussen of
Laredo are the top returners.
“Morgann
finished
eighth in barrels at the College
National Finals Rodeo last year
and I expect her to be a strong
contender again this year,”
Angermiller said. “Catherine
also had a good year finishing
11th in the region in barrels.”
Top newcomers on this
year’s team include Justin
Shaffer of Hallville, Katie
Wojciechowski of Tarpley,
Grace Bertelsen of Los Molinas,
CA, and Rozlyn Reeves of Pipe
Creek.
Shaffer is a four-event
cowboy participating in steer
wrestling, saddle bronc, team
roping and calf roping. “I
believe Justin will be a strong
contender this year in steer
On Oct. 24, SWTJC
will begin a three-game home
stand when they play Palo Alto
College in the La Forge Hall
Gym. Following the game with
Palo Alto, SWTJC will host
University of the Incarnate
Word on Oct. 31 and Victoria
College on Nov. 7.
SWTJC teams will also
play a number of non-league
games this fall. The Cowgirls
have non-league games slated on
Oct. 27 in Alpine against Sul Ross
State University and at home on
Oct. 29 against Our Lady of the
Lake University JV.
In addition, the Cowgirls are
slated to compete in the Temple
College Tournament on Nov.
wrestling,” Angermiller said.
All the women team
members are multiple-event
cowgirls and Angermiller
believes that will help in the
team competition.
Sam
Houston
State
University, McNesse State
University and Texas A&M
College Station will be
SWTJC’s toughest competition
for top team honors.
SWTJC competes in the
Southern Region of the National
Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
(NIRA). Southern Region rodeos
scheduled this fall include Panola
College, Sept. 27-29; Southwest
Texas Junior College, Oct. 4-6;
Northeast Texas Community
College, Oct. 11-13; McNeese
State University, Oct. 26-27; and
Sam Houston State University,
Nov. 8-10.
Basketball teams join realigned league
SWTJC basketball teams
will compete in a newly renamed
and realigned league starting
later this month.
According to SWTJC
men’s coach Richard Flores, the
new league name is the Texas
Collegiate Club Sports League
(TCCSL).
In the men’s division, a
total of seven teams will compete.
Men’s division teams include:
SWTJC, Palo Alto College, St.
Philip’s College, Northwest
Vista College, Victoria College,
University of the Incarnate Word
and Schreiner University. The
women’s division will include the
same teams with the exception of
Schreiner.
The league, previously
named the South Texas Club
Sports League, will also include
volleyball competition, but
SWTJC will not compete.
SWTJC basketball teams
will begin league play on the
road in San Antonio on Oct. 17
when the Cowboys and Cowgirls
take on St. Philip’s College.
Cowboys
are hoping
to repeat
as champs
Cowgirls
will feature
up-tempo
play this year
by Kass Reyna
Southwest Texan Reporter
by Kass Reyna
Southwest Texan Reporter
It is the beginning of
the 2012 basketball season and
the SWTJC Cowgirls along with
their Coach, Jesus Garcia, are
preparing for a tough schedule
this year.
Coach Garcia is not
only planning for his team’s
success as a whole, but helping
to lead each player down a path
for a bigger and brighter future.
“I have scheduled some
hard non-conference games to
showcase our players’ talent to
coaches from Division I schools
so they have a chance to move
up and play at the next level,”
Garcia said.
One of the Cowgirls’
toughest challenges this season
will be trying to avoid injuries
that can take a toll on the team.
With that being said, Coach
Garcia has incorporated “from
the shoulders up” as his team
motto this year.
“Basketball is certainly
a game of athletes, but it’s the
teams that play with their heads
and don’t lose focus that win
games,” Garcia said.
According to Garcia
this year’s team has a wide
range of talent. “This year I am
blessed with strong athletes that
can shoot and run the floor so we
will be a fast up-tempo team this
year,” Garcia said.
Returning
players
for the Cowgirls this season
are; Amber Salazar (Pearsall),
Antonia Martinez (Asherton),
and Chelsie Casiano (Lytle)
and the manager, Esther Zepeda
(Carrizo).
New to the Cowgirls
program this year are; Ashley
Howell
(Rock
Springs,
Wyoming), Larocha Santleben
(Sabinal), Audry Rubio (Sabinal),
Abbe Robb (Montgomery),
Camille Robb (Montgomery),
Taylor Rios (El Paso), Victoria
Rios (El Paso), Jazmine Villarreal
(Harlingen) and Dani Kelly
(Round Rock), The Cowgirls will open
league play Oct. 17 in San Antonio
against St. Philip’s College.
9-10 and in the Thunderbird
Classic Tournament on Jan. 1-2
in Hobbs, N.M.
The SWTJC Cowboys are
still working on their non-league
fall schedule.
Richard Flores coaches the
Cowboys and Jesus Garcia is the
coach for the Cowgirls.
Cowboys basketball team members include: (front, l-r) coach Richard Flores, Rudy Ramirez, Andrew Cantu,
Micheal Johnson, Edward Robertson, Eric Hernandez, Frailan Sendejo, (back) Angel Gaitan, Ethan Lynch, Nathan
Fontenot, Bradly McDonald, Dominic Carion, Ed Salazar and Andre Thomas. Not pictured are team members
Hector Baraza and Rudy Ortiz.
Cowgirls basketball team members include: (front, l-r) coach Jesus Garcia, Taylor Rios, Victoria Rios, Camille
Robb, Jazmine Villarreal, Antonia Martinez, Chelsie Casiano (back) Amber Salazar, LaRocha Santleben, Dani
Kelley, Audrey Rubio, Ashley Howell and Abigail Robb.
The SWTJC Cowboys
are back and in full force for the
upcoming season.
Coach Richard Flores
has high expectations for his
team this year and hopes the
Cowboys can repeat as league
champions.
Even though winning
is nice, Coach Flores said he
will concentrate on teaching his
team about unity and that losing
a game should only make you
stronger.
“I want to teach these
young men that it is nice to
win, but if you lose you get up
and work harder to win the next
game.” said Flores. Coach Flores
believes a strong defense will be
the big key to his team’s success
this season.
Coach Flores has five
returning players this year from
last season’s championship team.
He is optimistic about prospects
for a strong season.
“You know someone
once told me that there was no
basketball talent in this area,
but boy were they wrong”,
Flores said, “If you don’t
believe me check out our league
championship trophy in the gym
trophy case.”
Returning players for the
Cowboys include; Ethan Lynch
(Elgin), Rudy Ortiz (Uvalde),
Angel Gaitan (Jourdanton), Ed
Salazar (Knippa), Rudy Ramirez
(Carrizo), and Jeremiah King
(San Antonio).
Newcomers
to
the
program are; Nathan Fontenot (San
Angelo), Frailan Sendejo (Crystal
City), Eric Hernandez (Brownville),
Dominic Carion (Fredericksburg),
Brady McDonald (Elgin), Andrew
Cantu (Pleasanton), Michael
Johnson (Manor, North Carolina)
Hector Baraza (Cotulla), Andrea
Thomas (Houston), and Edward
Robertson (Houston).
The Cowboys will open
league play on Oct. 17 when they
travel to San Antonio to take on St.
Philip’s College.