November 14, 2002

University of Texas-PanAmerican students might wantto watch their wallets over thenext few years. The tuition ratehere is relatively lower thanother public universities aroundTexas, but that might soonchange.

Currently the total tuition andfee for students enrolled in 15

hours at UTPA is $1,359.48 forTexas residents. However, dueto inflation and new state law,the tuition will be increased bytwo dollars every year till Jan1, 2008.

Francis Rivera of theUniversity Budget Office statedthat the tuition students pay isused for a number of things,including fees concerningstudent services, librarytechnology and medical

THURSDAYNovember 14, 2002

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

CCaammppuussVOICEWith the $2.00

annualincrease at

UTPA, do youfeel this has

led to a bettereducation?

NATION

■ GARZA NAMEDAS AMBASSADORThe U.S. Senateconfirmed 43-year-oldTony Garza, aBrownsville native, tobe the newambassador to Mexico.Garza will be replacingJeffrey Davidow, whowas ambassador forfour years.Garza was the firstHispanic Republican inCameron Count y toget elected to astatewide office andadvocates foreignersworking in the U.S.gaining legal status. Garza was thesecretar y of stateunder then-Gov.George W. Bush and in1998 took over ashead of the StateRailroad Commission.

LOCAL

■ NURSING HOME NAME SUGGESTED

Freddy Gonzalez,an Edinburg nativeand Vietnam war hero,could be thenamesake for a futureValley VeteransNursing Home.

State Rep.-electAaron Pena andGonzalez’s mother,Dolia Gonzalez, madea publicannouncement aboutthe proposal thisweek.

Sgt. Gonzalez waskilled in action Feb. 4,1968 in Hue Cit yduring the TetOffensive. He wasserving as platoonleader and died at theage of 21.

Gabriel O, Hernandez/The Pan American

CROONIN’— Country singer Zane Williams performs at the Student UnionFood Court Wednesday night. The Muggers committee of the UniversityProgram Board sponsors weekly coffeehouse events for students on campusto get together for entertainment and refreshments.

Rising costsraise concern

Institute facilitates language learning There are an immense number of

cultures, religions, and languages inthe United States that makeeveryone different. But one of thethings that has the potential to uniteall these diverse people together isthe English language.

Recognizing this, the Universityof Texas-Pan American has helpednon-native English speakers, both inthe community and on campus, byoffering noncredit intensive andsemi-intensive programs throughthe formal establishment of theEnglish Language Institute (ELI)since 1982.

“[ELI] prepares students to enteran academic program withacademically oriented English,

assists professionals and businesspeople in career-oriented English,and offers all students theopportunity to learn functional useof the English language,” saiddirector Norma Ramos. “The ELIencourages anyone who wishes tolearn English in a serious yetfriendly atmosphere to apply.”

Vivian Madrigal, ELIadministrative coordinator, said thatwhile some of the non-nativespeakers come from overseas, themajority of these students are fromneighboring Mexico. According tothe ELI literature, a positiveenvironment is visible at bothlocations: on the UTPA campus andat the Hidalgo Education Center.There are admission requirementsfor both locations.

“Admission to the Institute’s

intensive programs is open tostudents who can devote their fulltime to learning English,” Ramossaid. “During the regular academicyear and Summer I session, studentsmust be 17 years of age or olderand have completed high school orequivalent. The Summer II sessionis open to students eight years ofage and older. They must havecompleted high school or equivalent[with] an application for admissionssubmitted three weeks before theprogram starting date.”

Ramos also stated that admissionto the institute does not guaranteeadmission to UTPA. However,according to the institute’s web site,ELI students do have access tocampus facilities and activitiesincluding the cafeteria, library,swimming pool, parties, dramas,

etc.It might not offer automatic entry

to UTPA, but the ELI has excellentprofessors also.

“The instructors have advanceddegrees and many years of Englishteaching experience both in theUnited States and abroad,”Ramos”said “They provide thehighest quality of instruction in afriendly, pleasant atmosphere.”

According to the web site, thesetrained instructors determinestudent degrees of proficiencythrough an English Placement Test,and place students into appropriateslevels, of which there are three:beginning, intermediate, oradvanced level.

Ramos said that the institute’sintensive program helps students in

See ELI page 4

By SUNAYNA MAHTANIThe Pan American

UT Arlington: $2,061.70

UT Austin: $2,452

UT Brownsville: $1,302.78

UT Dallas: $2,387.40

UT El Paso: $1,695

UTPA: $1,359.48

UT Permian Basin: $1,200

UT San Antonio: $1,320

UT Tyler: $1,591

Texas Tuition

Source: UT System/Graphic: Gabriel O. Hernandez

For 15 semester credit hours

See TUITION page 4

By CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American

“Two dollars!!!!!”

The UTPA Broncs will resume their preseason exhibition schedule Sundayagainst Houston Quest in the Fieldhouse, and are expecting the game to beanother great practice run for the 2002-2003 season.

The Broncs, who dissected the Monterrey Tech Borregos 93-59 in theirfirst preseason exhibition game last Saturday night, are heavily favored

against the Quest for the 3 p.m. gameUTPA was favored to win big against Monterrey Tech and pummeled

the Borregos. But the exhibition game, which was expected to be lighton competition and rich in Bronc offensive dominance, was anythingbut one-sided. The Broncs trailed early in the first half and had to relyon their bench to close the gap and recapture the lead later in thegame.

“I’d have to say that I give our effort [against Monterrey] an A andour execution a B-minus,“ said head coach Bob Hoffman.

Last season the Broncs destroyed Houston Quest 99-51 in asimilar preseason exhibition game. And as long as there are nomore symptoms of the preseason jitters displayed in the first halfof the Monterrey Tech game there shouldn’t be any inkling of anupset.

“The problem with the first half [against Monterey] was justnervousness,” said sophomore guard Eric Montalvo, of La Joya.

Montalvo, who opened up the offense for the Broncs andfinished the game with 22 points and seven rebounds, led theteam to their 34-point victory. Junior transfer Allen Holcombhad a pivotal four-point play in the first half to give the Broncstheir first unchallenged lead, while senior guard KevinMitchell hit four three point attempts, also had good games.

It was Montalvo’s best career game for the Broncs, and hisperformance definitely helped them recapture the momentumduring the contest.

“Coach told me, ‘You’re a shooter, so shoot,’” saidMontalvo. “Luckily I hit most of my shots.”

Holcomb’s play came in the middle of a 6-0 rally by theBroncs, giving UTPA a 31-26 lead 11 minutes into the game.The lead was further strengthened by a 15-0 bludgeoning

deep in the first half, which was finally silenced by aFernando Tirado three-pointer. The Broncs finished the first

half ahead 54-37.The Broncs’ early performance was epitomized by ashaky offense steadied only by 33 Borrego turnovers,

but on the plus side, Bronc omnipresence in thepaint led to 22 offensive rebounds.

Defensively the Broncs forced several turnoversbut allowed the Borregos to shoot a blistering 63percent from the field in the first half.

The inconsistency of the Broncs’ offense,complete with several near-turn-over possessionskirmishes, became less apparent as the first half

continued. Several creative substitutions byHoffman added chemistry which congealed the

loose-ended Broncs.The second half was a more conservative display,

with the Broncs finding their defensive rhythm, forcingthe Borregos into several pressure shot situations, cutting their

three-point shot percentage from 80 to 20 percent and their total field goalshooting percentage in half.

We’re so banged up right now, we haven’t even figured out whose going toplay what positions,” said Hoffman. “[Against Monterrey Tech] we only hadeleven guys suited up to play. All of the guys stepped up and did what theyhad to do. But the configuration of the players will probably differ.”

■ Chavez Feature . . . . . .15

■ Women’s hoops . . . . . .14

■ Staff’s swami picks . . . 13

PAGE 16

SPORTS

BREAKING THE LAW:Two assistant coach-es from theUniversity of Miamiof Ohio were sus-pended by the univer-sity Wednesday.Defensive coordinatorJon Wauford wascharged with batteryafter shoving RobertFlaugher, 36, aMarshall fan whowas one of hundredsrunning into the fieldafter Marshall’s lastsecond win Tuesdaynight. Wauford wasreleased on $5,000bond with a hearingset for Dec. 13.Assistant coach TaverJohnson was sus-pended for damaginga Marshall Stadiumcoaches’ box, wherea desk was destroyedand and chairs werethrown throughwalls, causing dam-age.

NCAA

MLB

ALOU COMING BACK:The National LeagueChampions SanFrancisco Giantsnamed Felipe Aloutheir new manageron Wednesday. The67-year-old agreedto a three-year dealand brings 10 yearsof managing experi-ence. Alou went691-717 with theMontrealExpos from1992-2001.Alou was thebench coachfor theDetroit Tigerslast season.

By BRIAN CARRThe Pan American

TAKEN TO SCHOOLMontalvo’s performance sparks Broncs to

34-point win over Monterrey Tech

See HOOPS page 14

DRIVIN’: Sophomore EricMontalvo drives to the basketduring a recent Broncs’ prac-tice. In UTPA’s exhibition gameagainst Monterrey Tech,Montalvo led the Broncs with22 points. The La Joya stand-out also pulled down sevenboards.

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

http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican51th Year – No. 12

EditorMatt Lynch

[email protected]

Layout Designers

Ashley Brooks

Mike Gonzalez

Gabriel Hernandez

Reporters

RyanHilda

Barrientes Carr

Amelia Garcia

Dulce Gonzalez

Clarissa Martinez

Nikki Ramirez

Celeste Y. Tello

Cesar Trevino

Jennifer Tapia

Arianna Vazquez

Advertising

Dagoberto Perez

Circulation

Jesus M. Gonzalez

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

November 142 0 0 2

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 EditorMike Gonzalez

[email protected]

Celebrating 50 years

A & E EditorAshley Brooks

[email protected]

News EditorBelinda Reyes

[email protected]

Copy EditorsSunayna Mahtani

Graphics EditorGabriel O.Hernandez

[email protected]

NEWS■ Global Week . . . . . 3■ Int’l Students . . . . . . 3 ■ Service Fair . . . . . . 12

By Fall 2003, the Universityof Texas-Pan American plans tostart a nursing doctoralprogram for area nurses whoplan to continue theireducation.

“Surveys showed there is aninterest in the program,” saidDr. Beverly Robinson,associate dean for the graduatenursing program at TheUniversity of Texas HealthScience Center in San Antonio.“The reason is because studentsdo not want to leave SouthTexas.”

Robinson has made severaltrips to the Valley to speak toadministrators about the issuebut claims that the paperworkis not completely finalized. Shesaid that the paperwork partconcerns the approval of theTexas Higher Education Board.

“There needs to be a memoof understanding signed,” shesaid.

Once all the paperwork hasgone through and all theapprovals are made, UTPAwould be a campus site for thedoctoral program, just likeTexas A&M-Corpus Christi.

The classes would be held

via video teleconference andUTPA would provide electivecourses. Some of the TexasA&M. faculty would handle thedissertations. One of theconditions with UTPA is thatthere needs to be at least fourqualified students to run theprogram and for South TexasInteractive to provide funding.

“There is interest but is theregreat enough demand,” said Dr.William J. Mcintyre, assistantdean of the College of HealthSciences & Human ServicesCenter at UTPA. “They[UTHSCSA] have sentinformation and have donesome recruiting for theprogram.”

Robinson has come down acouple of times for recruitment.The first time she came therewere 17 people interested andwilling to apply; the secondtime there was 23. Mcintyrestated the program would havemany advantages for theuniversity and for the studentswho apply.

“The program would allowthe faculty the chance tocollaborate with the otherfaculty of UTHSCSA,” saidMcintyre. “And the studentswould not have to travel toother universities like

UTHSCSA and A&M inCorpus Christi.”

Mcintyre also added thatmost Valley nurses have jobsand families, and do not wantto relocate.

Shannon Dowdall, assistantprofessor of the College ofHealth Sciences and HumanServices Center at UTPA, is inthe nursing doctoral program atA&M-Corpus Christi. She isbeginning her nursingdissertation and said that if theprogram were offered at UTPAshe would not have needed totravel to Corpus Christi everyweek to attend her doctoralclasses.

“It takes about two years ofcourse work and I drove toCorpus Christi every Tuesdayand came back everyWednesday,” she said.

Dowdall said she wouldleave at 5:30 on Tuesdaymornings with a best friendwho was also in the program,to arrive on time for her 8 a.m.class. She would then rent ahotel room to spend the nightand go to school the next dayuntil 4 p.m. Her weekly routinewould end when she and herfriend would head back for theValley.

“This would add to the stress

because it was very expensive,”Dowdall said. “Lucky, my bestfriend and I would take turns indriving every week.”

Dowdall added that she wasalso very lucky that she and herfriend did not have children.She said that so many otherstudents did, and could not staythe night. She believes theprogram would make things alot easier for Valley students.She says that they will havesupport from UTPA for theirdissertations and have betterconnections with UTHSCSA.They would also not have topay library fees for CorpusChristi and for UTHSCSA’stuition.

“It is like you are payingdouble,” she said about thecurrent situation.

The estimated cost of tuitionfor the program would be$7,200 for three years if astudent does not attend part-time. If everything is finalized,enrollment for the programshould begin in February.

“It is a great, fabulous andwonderful opportunity foranyone out in the Valley,”Dowdall said. “You just have tobe very persistent to enter theprogram and need to reallywant it.”

Nursing doctorate soonBy HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American

Environmental club formedThe University of Texas-Pan

American EnvironmentalAwareness Club is a neworganization that wants to helpstudents create and raiseconsciousness about environmentalproblems in their community.

President and creator of the clubKelly Hobbs said, “We just startedit this semester [and we are] tryingto get members to start educatingthemselves and taking thatinformation to other students in thecommunity.”

Hobbs, a junior biology major,founded the club as part of aproject she had to do for herenvironmental biology class withprofessor Kathryn Dodd.

Dodd became the faculty adviserfor the Environmental Clubbecause she supports what the clubrepresents, and feels that thestudents can show their potentialpower to make a positivedifference.

“I strongly support Kelly andthis club, and I am honored toserve as the faculty adviser,” Doddsaid.

The first club meeting was held

Nov. 7 with the participation of aguest speaker, environmentalistCarmen Pedraza-Silva, who spoketo encourage students to help theircommunity with environmentalissues.

Pedraza-Silva said she was thereto provide some ideas tothe students includingwhere to focus their effortson starting the club, andhow to have solutions toenvironmental problems.

“I think the beginningof this club is wonderfulfor the community, theValley needs it,” Pedraza-Silva said. This area is richwith biodiversity,including several hundredspecies of butterfly, aburgeoning birdingindustry, and protectedwetlands around theLaguna Atascosa shoreline.

In its short existence the clubalready has people asking for helpto spread knowledge and solutionsfor various communityenvironmental problems. Hobbsstated that the Edinburg Recycling

Center is having them pass outfliers and help with EdinburgRecycling Day taking place Nov.16.

Several students at the meetingsaid they heard of theEnvironmental Awareness Club

from friends and classmates. Josh Lomas, a freshman, said

that he took interest in the clubbecause he wanted to protect theenvironment and learn ways hecould help out.

“I had friends who told me in

class, and I wanted to come to seewhat it was all about,” Lomas said.

Club Vice President NoelEscobar said that the group couldhelp students spread theirknowledge on how to help theenvironment. He stated that somepeople feel the problems seem toofar away from them and if theydon’t get involved, it won’t matter.

“Some might say I will be deadby the time something happens,but it really does affecteverybody,” Escobar mentioned.“It might even affect us in ways wejust don’t see.”

Such a potential problem, globalwarming, will be debated byprofessors and scientific expertsduring the Global Weekcelebration on campus the week ofNov. 18-24.

According to Dodd, the club canbe a great benefit to UTPA studentsbecause of the educational value,and the opportunities it willprovide for student members totake an active role in molding theirown futures.

For more information on how tobe a part of the EnvironmentalAwareness Club, contact KathrynDodd by phone at (956) 381-2229or through e-mail [email protected].

By ARIANNA VAZQUEZThe Pan American

New group will focus on raisingawareness in community

I think thebeginning of thisclub is wonderful

for thecommunity, theValley needs it

“

“

- CarmenPedraza-Silva,Environmentalist

As the cross country season winds down,the teams will compete in some of the mostvital races of the year.

The UTPA cross country teams will travelto Waco on Nov. 11 to compete in theNCAA Regional Championship.

Head coach Doug Molnar said that thismeet represents the pinnacle of the season’sefforts in practice and in meets.

“This is the one meet we’ve beenworking towards all year,” he said. “We’relooking for everyone to have a personalbest, not only of the season but of theirlife.”

Molnar believes that with an attitude forabsolute success, the team should do wellenough to set their own personal records.

“That’s really the kind of attitude that wehave to have going into that meet if wewant to accomplish all our goals for thisseason,” Molnar said.

The men’s team is expected to competewell under the leadership of sophomorerunner Westly Keating. Molnar said thatKeating’s chances of success were pretty

high.“Individually on the men’s team we’re

looking for Westly to lead the way,” he said.“He really does have a chance to be NCAAqualifier.”

Molnar said becoming a NCAA qualifieris a very real possibility for Keating if heruns a smart race.

“He’s going to have to get up into thepack early and be there when it comes downto the end,” he said. “The way he’s trainingright now, that shouldn’t be a problem forhim.”

Expectations are high on Keating’sperformance and the competition isexpected to be highly challenging, butMolnar believes that Keating has a shot atwinning the race.

“I really think that Westly, he’s ready togo, he has the potential to win the race,” hesaid. “He’s going to have to be on, there’ssome great guys from Arkansas, some greatguys from Texas.”

Molnar said Keating would have his workcut out for him considering some ofArkansas’ recent accomplishments.

“Arkansas finished third in the NCAAmeet last year and won the FCC

Championship two weeks ago,” he said.“He’s going to have his hands full, but he’sready... that goes for all our guys.”

Considering that 25 teams are expected tobe represented at the meet, the team took tothe practice fields with time trials to ensurepreparedness.

Molnar said that the time trialsdemonstrated progress with an astoundingnumber of runners setting their personalrecord for a three-mile run.

“We had a lot of guys PR (personalrecord) on a three-mile time trial on thetrack,” Molnar said. “We don’t have to doanything special, really, when we get upthere, all we have to do is what we’ve beendoing every day in practice.”

Despite the efforts as a complete team,the Broncs will only be allowed to takeseven runners from both the men’s andwomen’s teams.

“In our region there is approximately 25teams, not all those may send entire teams,”Molnar said. “This week we’re limited toseven runners, only the top seven runnerswill be able to compete.”

The UTPA men’s cross country team willbe represented by Keating, Hugo Cervantes,

Americo Ortiz, Randy Salazar, MannyLopez and Frankie Gutierrez.

Roosevelt Campbell,David Ramirez andAaron Castro are still vying for the seventhspot on the men’s team. For Campbell, it’shis last opportunity to place in a collegiatemeet. He’s been with UTPA since 1999 andwas recruited from Mission.

Patty Villarreal, Claudia Rosas, EricaHernandez, Deanah Chavez, MargeauxMcCarthy, Dannely Flores and ErikaRodriguez will be representing the women’steam.

The women’s team has its own goals forthe upcoming meet.

Despite the unfavorable conditions at thelast meet, the women did well and arelooking to further their progress at theregional meet.

“On the women’s side, I was reallyimpressed. Only six women ran last timeand all six had a personal best,” Molnarsaid. “Our goal is to go through 5,000meters faster than what we did last week.”

After the NCAA Regional Championship,if the team qualifies, it will advance to theNCAA Championships in Terre Haute,Indiana on Nov. 25.

Many athletes describe a passion ordesire for their sport, Deanah Chavezlives the passion and the desire when sheruns.

Chavez is a freshmen and a member ofthe UTPA women’s cross country teamand a former runner for Edinburg HighSchool.

Even though she is a local athlete, shedoes not allow it to force her into anobligatory relationship with thehometown fans. Chavez said that shedecided to run at UTPA because theyprovided her with the best opportunity.

“I tried to see where my bestopportunity was, Pan Am gave me a goodopportunity with my scholarship and a[chance] to run,” Chavez said. “That’s allI wanted to do, that’s all I worked for inhigh school.”

Chavez enjoys the conveniences ofbeing in her hometown, but is alsodisappointed by the community’stendency to put off Bronc athletics asmediocre.

“It’s good to stay home, I get to visitmy family,” she said. “The program isreally good, it kind of sucks that peopledon’t look at Pan Am as a strong school,but we’re getting there... we’re diamondsin the rough.”

Cross country Coach Doug Molnarsaid plenty about Chavez’s contributionsto the team and about her progress in herfirst year as a collegiate athlete.

In fact, her development as an athleteinitially left Molnar at a loss for words.The silence did not last long, as Chavezhas demonstrated strong characterthroughout the season.

“There’s so much I can say aboutDeanah, I don’t know where to start,”Molnar said. “She is just an all aroundgreat person, she is an absolute joy tocoach.”

Chavez is one of those athletes thatevery coach looks forward to having onboard throughout the season.

“She does everything you ask of herand then some,” Molnar said. “She doessome things that you can’t coach, thethings that are really going to make herbetter as the years go on.”

Some of the abstract strengths that shepossesses run far deeper than any coachcould ever imagine instilling in anathlete.

“She has great heart, she puts all hereffort into it when she’s out here and shehas desire,” Molnar said. “When you addthose two things together, you’re going tocome up with a pretty good distancerunner.”

Chavez’s strengths go beyond runningMolnar also described her as anexemplary student.

“She’s a solid student and a great all-around individual,” he said.

Chavez is among very youngteammates, most of the women’s team iscomprised of freshmen. According toMolnar this makes the season mostly alearning process for the team.

“It’s really been a learning process forthe women’s team because we’re soyoung and we have so many freshmen,”he said.

Chavez looks at her freshmen year asan impelling chapter in her career as arunner.

“My first year has been pretty excitingthere’s a lot of new things that I’mgetting used to,” she said.

The biggest adjustment for freshmenrunners is the increase in mileage duringmeets and in training.

“They run two miles in high schooland all of a sudden you’re adding a thirdmore onto the race, up to three miles,”Molnar said. “Even when we run 6K itsalmost four miles that’s almost doublingthe race... that makes it really tough andthat’s all been a learning process forthem.”

Chavez admitted that the traininginitially required some adjustments.

“Workouts are a big difference fromhigh school to now,” she said. “It’s moreintense but I like it because I can see theimprovement.”

Change went beyond the workouts forChavez. She also had to face adjustmentsin the classroom and learn to juggle herdual schedules.

“The toughest thing is managing mytime,” she said. “It’s hard trying to stayawake in class because of practices in themorning and afternoon, and then we havetests and homework to get through.”

She expects to be able to flow moresmoothly into her hectic schedule as theyears progress.

“The first semester is a big shock, butI’m sure next semester will be easier,”Chavez said.

She is expected to be a strongcontributing force to the team as shematures as an athlete. Despite her youth,Chavez is already making strongcontributions to the women’s team inmeets and as a leader.

“She’s already taking on a leadershiprole at times, for a freshmen to come inand do that is pretty tough to do,” Molnarsaid. “So as the years go on she’ll be abigger and bigger part of this program.”

November 14, 2002 sports Page 15

Freshman runner has contributed all semester

Youthful Chavez quick toadjust to college athleticsBy CELESTE Y. TELLOThe Pan American

Celeste Y. Tello / The Pan American

JOGGIN’: Freshman Deanah Chavez heads out for a run.

Runners reaching moment of truth in RegionalsAs usual, Keating leads the favorites

By CELESTE Y. TELLOThe Pan American

November 14, 2002 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 3

The University of Texas-Pan American hasexpanded in so many ways that regional andnational exposure for the campus have becomemore important. The school’s enrollmentreached past 14,000 this semester, and thenumber of awards, grants, and programs it hasengaged in are also at a record high number.Keeping that momentum going means gettingthe word out that UTPA is a major player forthe 21st century.

Two new staff members at the university areworking on making the dreams of nationalexposure come true.

Chelse Benham and Lynda Lopez are thelatest additions to the UTPA Office ofUniversity Relations staff. which is responsiblefor churning out publicity messages, amongother things. Benham joined the staff Oct. 1 asradio/television production supervisor.

“I am in charge of overseeing media for theuniversity either regionally or nationally to getas much exposure as possible,” Benham said.

She handles public service announcements,The UTPA Today show which airs on Edinburgcable channel 12, short format documentaries,promotions and anything television-related thatwill promote the university.

Benham is originally from Austin and is agraduate of the University of Texas-Austinwhere she received a bachelor’s degree inradio/television production. She has 10 years ofprofessional experience.

“I am from Austin and I moved down for myhusband because he is a faculty member atUTPA,” Benham said.

Prior to coming to the Rio Grande Valley,Benham owned a television productioncompany for three years and was scriptsupervisor on HGTV’s “Carol Duvall show.”

Benham later became post-productionsupervisor for an A&E production “America’sCastles,” and was associate producer for“November Warriors,” a History Channelproduction.

Benham has won numerous awards,including an Emmy for the production of“Celebrating Knoxville,” a quarterly showabout that Tennessee city’s hot spots.

“I’ve been very fortunate and have won a lot,but the Emmy is the most recognized award,”Benham said.

Because the university is close to the U.S.-Mexico border Benham would like to producean informative program dealing with theHispanic population.

“The Hispanic population is growing but isstill very meek in this area and other towns onthe border of Mexico,” she said. “I would dealwith the demographic that is still considered a

minority although it will not be in a very shortperiod of time.”

Benham advises any student heading in thedirection of television production to learn to editwell, learn the whole process of TV productionand always strive to improve.

“My favorite saying is ‘Soar with the eagles,don’t walk with turkeys,’” Benham said.“Always surround yourself with the best.”

The other new member of the relations grouphas an equally compelling resume and story.Lynda Lopez joined the UTPA staff Oct. 1 asPublic Relations Specialist II

“I handle the media, do public relations workand I cover events on campus, write articles andtry to solicit publicity for the university,” Lopezsaid.

Lopez, originally from Los Fresnos, is agraduate of Southwest Texas State Universitywhere she received an undergraduate degree injournalism with a broadcast concentration.

Lopez was a journalist in Washington, D.C.for 12 years, but came back to the Valley toraise her children.

“It’s been a tough adjustment and I truly missthe big city, but I came home to have myfamily’s support,” she said.

Lopez has been a public relationsrepresentative for three years, but has abackground in journalism that spans more than18 years. This latest stretch has truncated herwork record.

“I’ve been in the Valley for three years and Itook some time off to spend with my children,”she said. “I did some public relations work forSunrise Mall In Brownsville and alsofreelanced,”

Lopez’ first job was as a news reporter forthe Brownsville Herald, and her first televisionjob was in Austin at KTBC. She was a newsanchor for the Valley’s Channel 4 in the early‘80s.

Like her new coworker, Lopez has receivednumerous awards, including a 1992 Emmy inthe hard news category. Also like Benham, oneof her primary goals is to get national coveragefor UTPA.

“We’re doing some really great things thatmerit national attention, such as groundbreakingworks like HESTEC,” Lopez said.

According to Lopez the whole goal is tothink big and think out of the box.

She also feels that national attention is muchdeserved because UTPA can offer manystudents wonderful things that other universitiescan’t.

“When I was in D.C. I was surrounded byuniversities because I lived near Georgetownand it’s interesting to come home and see whatthis university has done,” Lopez said. “I’m veryimpressed with the campus and the city ofEdinburg. I like the city, the energy and theambiance here.”

New employeesbolster relations

By NIKKI RAMIREZThe Pan American

It looks like the international collegecrowd might be on the rise, thanks to anewly passed law.

The U.S. Immigration and NaturalizationService announced the approval of TheBorder Commuter Students Act (BCS Act)that would let foreign students attendborder schools on a part-time basis.

Previously, it had to be full-time ornothing for students crossing the border totake an American education. The BCS Actwould apply to schools that are within 75miles of the U.S. border and would bebeneficial to Mexican or Canadian studentswho regularly commute across a landborder by obtaining an F-1 visa. However,this would not apply to commuter studentswho live in the States during the week andtravel to Mexico during the weekends.

According to PhillipClay, InternationalStudent Advisor at TheUniversity of TexasPan American, UTPAonly has five part-timestudents, which isabout 1.5 percent ofthe internationalstudents here. Thereason is becauseheretofore it has beenillegal for foreignstudents to study part-time here.

“Before the Act waspassed, it was illegalto enroll as aninternational student on a part-time basis,”Clay said. “In my two years in theuniversity we have always told anyonedesiring to study part-time that it was notlegal and advised them against it.”

Clay added that UTPA could not denyadmission to those who wished to studypart-time because every student is entitledthe right to get an education regardless ofrace, creed, or color.

Karla Saavedra, an accounting major anda Mexican foreign student, says that eventhough the BCS Act will be beneficial toforeign students, obtaining the visa, fillingout the paperwork and meeting all therequirements is still very time consuming.

“It was a lot of work and it tookapproximately two months to get

everything together,” Saavedra said. “Youhave to go to admissions to get theapplication, make sure you have met all therequirements, go to the American consulateat Matamoros to get the visa, and pay at theborder for the immigration stamp so youcan cross over.”

Saavedra added that among the regularentrance exams, the foreign applicants haveto take and pass the Test of English as aForeign Language exam (TOEFL) exam asa requirement. Once everything is turnedin, UTPA gives the authorization to theforeign applicant to obtain the necessaryvisa.

Clay said that there several visas that aforeign student can obtain but the one for apart-time foreign student is the F-1 visa.The regulations required of the holder ofthis visa carry various penalties if violated.

“The new system is much stricter and notforgiving,” Clay said. “I fear that somestudents who currently seek to followregulations only when it is convenient for

them and have foundthat we can do somethings to get themback in status willquickly findthemselves out of theuniversity and backhome in Mexico ifthey don’t take INSregulations seriously.”

Clay acknowledgedthat two years ago,the law was notenforced strictly andUTPA had about 30part-time foreignstudents.

Luis Garcia, journalism major and aforeign student, said that he is optimisticabout the BCS Act.

“It will be more convenient for thepeople who travel from Mexico becausethey are not able to come every daybecause of work,” Garcia said. “I had afriend who just wanted to attend the ELIto take the English classes and could notbecause it would be part-time.”

Saavedra said that many people fromMexico do have full-time jobs as a priorityand cannot attend UTPA full-time, thuswould not apply because of the rule.

“I have a friend who would not even trybecause the opportunities were verylimited,” she said. “He was just waitingfor something like this.”

New law benefitsforeign students

By HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American

Preparations are under way for the annualGlobal Week cultural celebration, which willtake place Nov. 18-24, with the continents ofAsia and Europe to be featured.

The Center for International Programs is setto present the latest Global Week under theleadership of Dr. Gilbert Cardenas, and thisyear's program is the most extensive yet.Festivities get started Monday, Nov. 18 with

remarks from the university president andprovost, and the highlight, among many, will bespeaking appearances from a series of consulsfrom Korea, Japan and China, scheduled forWednesday, Nov. 20.

There are close to 20 panel discussionsscheduled, on topics ranging from "Leadershipand Religion in the Middle East" to "GlobalWarming in the 21st Century."

A number of university professors, plusseveral community business people, will be on

hand to take part in discussions of political,economic, philosophical, and environmentalinterest.

The academic planning committee headed byCardenas has been working on the panels andconsul appearances most of the semester, andCardenas said that this year's list of panelspromises to offer a variety of topics forstudents, faculty and staff, and Valley citizens.

For example, Dr. Mauricio Cervantes ofITESM Guadalajara will speak on "Mexico and

Europe" to start the panels, at 5:45 p.m.Monday. Dr. Sonia Alianak will moderate apanel on "The Changing Roles of Women inAsia" on Tuesday at 2:35 p.m. Wednesday ismainly taken up with speeches by the variousconsuls, while Dr. Ramiro Rea is set tomoderate a session on "Doing Business onEurope" that afternoon.

There will also be events featuring poetry,food, and fashion from various countries duringthe week.

THE PAN AMERICAN

Asian consuls highlighting Global Week

In my two years inthe university wehave always toldanyone desiring tostudy part-time thatit was not legal andadvised themagainst it

““

- Phillip Clay,International Student Adviser

Previously denied, international part-timers can nowattend American schools

Riding a nine-game winningstreak, the Lady Bronc volleyballteam was so used to winning, itforgot what losing was like.

But with recent losses to TexasA&M-Corpus Christi(TAMUCC) and New MexicoState, the Lady Broncs rest below.500 again with a 13-14 record.This weekend, the Lady Broncstravel to Corpus Christi tocompete in the IndependentTournament.

The competition will consist offour teams, including Centenary,Indiana-Purdue (Ft. Wayne) andTexas A&M-Corpus Christi.

The Centenary Ladies havestruggled this season and enterthe tournament with a 11-26record including a 3-7 record atneutral sites. The Ladies average11.6 kills, 15.9 blocks and 10.2assists a contest and are led byKelley Heckman and CateyBatte.

Heckman averages 2.77 killsand 3.72 digs a game, whileBatte contributes with 2.34assists and 2.53 digs a contest.

Indiana-Purdue also comes toCorpus Christi with a losingrecord of 12-18.

The Lady Mastodons wereswept in their last contest againstWisconsin-Green Bay 30-20, 30-28 and 30-26.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is no stranger toUTPA, and It will be the thirdtime the two will play thisseason, each team splitting thefirst two games at each otherscourt. UTPA won the first matchOct. 8, while A&M-Corpus

Christi snapped the Lady Broncwinning streak last Friday,escaping in five games 30-28, 30-27, 20-30, 24-30 and 15-10 at theFieldhouse.

Junior outside hitter WinkerCruz led the Lady Broncs with17 kills and 12 digs, whilesophomore outside hitter CathiNetemeyer added 15 kills and 16digs.

The Lady Islanders are led byLauren Smith, who averages 3.03kills a game and ErinMcClanhan, who has tossed1,001 assists this season.

UTPA head coach Dave Thornbelieves his team will bounceback from its two-game skid.

“I expect hard foughtmatches,” Thorn said. “We needto be aggressive in order to win.We cannot take them [teams]lightly.”

Junior middle blocker JaclynMuszynski knows her team hasthe capability to win every gamethis weekend and is lookingforward to the rematch againstTAMUCC.

“We’re looking for revengeagainst Corpus [Christi],”Muszynski said. “We’re nottaking this weekend lightly andwe have a lot to look forward to.”

For seniors Cynthia Kasperand Jessica Lawson, Monday wasthe last home game in a LadyBronc uniform. The duo had achance to bid the home crowdfarewell an a winning note, butUTPA was swept by the NewMexico State Aggies 30-23, 30-18 and 30-24.

Muszynski led the way forUTPA with 12 kills and sevendigs, while Cruz wasn’t farbehind with 11 kills and five

digs. Thorn admitted the Lady

Aggies were too much for theyouthful Lady Bronc team.

“We lost to a better team,”Thorn said. “We made moremistakes than I would’ve liked.That’s what happens when youhave a young team.”

The Lady Aggies outshot theLady Broncs .339-.097 andoutblocked UTPA 10-4.

“They [Lady Aggies] madegood defensive plays,” Thornsaid.

The Lady Broncs had theirhands full with middle hitterTrinia Cuseo who blasted 16 killsand 34 attacks.

Outside hitter Stevi Adamsalso gave UTPA problems bytossing 28 attacks and 10 digs.Although the Lady Broncs areonce again under .500, Thorn isoptimistic his team will regroupfor this weekend’s tournament.

“It’s important for us to getback to .500,” Thorn said.

The Lady Broncs lost to Texas Women’sUniversity 50-47 in their only preseasonexhibition game Sunday afternoon. Theyled by one point going into the second half,but came up four points short of a win.

For new head coach Tracy Anderson andthe Lady Broncs, the game was a firstopportunity to see if their preseason routinewas adding up to the kind of game theywant to play this season.

“I was very happy with our effort,”Anderson said. "Part of [the reason wecame up short] was our confidence in atight game.”

The Lady Broncs held a 16-10 lead 17minutes into the first half, and a one-pointlead with 1:27 left in the second half. Thenthey committed three personal fouls which

lead to four TWU points gained at the free-throw line - and the Lady Broncs failed toconvert on any last-second possessions.

Naima Williams picked up the first of thethree fouls, on Tiesha Wady, who led TWUwith 14 points. Wady picked up her lastpoint on at the line, tying the game at 47-47with 1:11 left.

The game-winner was picked up bySonya Hodge 25 seconds later on her trip tothe line after being fouled by forwardMichelle Smith. It was Smith’s fifth foul,removing her from the game.

TWU’s lead was solidified when NaimaWilliams picked up her third foul of thegame trying to smother a lay up drive byKeshung Irving. Irving, who had been onefor five from the line, made both attempts,forcing the home team into a three-pointhole where a three-pointer was needed.

Unfortunately the Broncs’ best perimeter

shooter, senior Alex Gravel, missed thegame with a reoccurring stress fracture inher right foot and will not return until theLady Broncs’ Nov. 30 match-up againstTulsa. Freshman StacyGooden was alsounable to play due toinjury.

Jennifer Piwonkahad an opportunity tolessen TWU’s leadwith seconds left onthe clock, but failed tocomplete a deep two-point shot.

Williams led theLady Broncs with 20points, 13 in thesecond half, and alsorecovered 10 rebounds- giving her the onlydouble-double of the day.

Unfortunately low first-half shootingpercentages kept the Lady Broncs from

pulling away from TWU early in the game,and limited shot opportunities held theteams at a neck-and-neck pace throughoutthe game.

One of thefunctions ofpreseason exhibitiongames is to indicateto coaches whatimprovements needto be made, but inclose games everymistake becomes avariable.

“I was verydisappointed withhow we did from thethree-point line,” saidAnderson. “We’llalso have to focus onour turnovers.”

The Lady Broncs regular season willbegin Nov. 25 at home against Texas-Arlington.


Bright spots and weak spots against TWU, Gravelexpected back in a matter of weeks

Lady Broncs lose close contest in opener

WHO: UTPA vol-leyball team

WHAT: The LadyBroncs close outtheir season withthe IndependentTournamentSaturday, Nov.16.


BUMP!: Jessica Lawson works on defense at a recent Lady Broncs’ practice.

Junior transfer Chris Fagan, whowas instrumental in the 15-pointrun, will sit out the Houston Questgame with a stress fracture. Butjunior transfer Prince Thompson,who missed the Tech game due toinjury, will return to the lineup toprovide the Broncs with speed andagility.

The Houston Quest game thisweekend will be the Broncs’ lastpractice run before they beginregular season play in lateNovember. The Broncs arescheduled to appear in a three-teamtournament with Tulsa and NewMexico State at South Padre Islandbeginning Nov. 22.

HOOPS continued from page 16


Volleyballers drop below.500, head to Corpus Christi

By MIKE GONZALEZThe Pan American

As season slowly closes, Lady Broncs look to regain winningways in four-team matchup

I was verydisappointedwith how we didfrom the three-point line “

“

- Tracy Anderson, basketball coach


Mariel RoblesEngineeringSophomore

I haven’t seen any really big changes butI believe the university has a good reasonfor the increase. Besides, $2.00 is not thatmuch of a difference.

Amanda RodriguezPolitical ScienceSophomore

I really haven’t seen any changes ineducation since I’ve been here butrecently there has been manyphysical improvements.

Kevin ColemanPhysics/MathematicsJunior

No, but tuition isn’t just associatedwith curriculum. They have madeseveral physical changes on campusthough.

With the $2.00 annualincrease at UTPA, do you feel

this has led to a bettereducation?

Fernando GonzalezBiologySenior

I think it has stayed the same since I lastattended here around 12 years ago.

VOICECCaammppuuss

Ivan BarrientesFinanceJunior

No, I haven’t seen a difference sincecertain departments haven’t receivedbetter equipment.

TUITION continued from page 1

the beginning courses with theirvocabulary, communication, listening andspeaking skills, assuming literacy in thestudent’s native language as a prerequisite.The intermediate and advanced coursesconcentrates on study skills, vocabularydevelopment, and discussion techniques.

Madrigal stated that the intensiveprogram costs $1,000 per session, notincluding books. Despite the level and thecost, Ramos said that each student isexpected to come to all classes, as theattendance policy is strictly enforced.

Students attend classes approximately24 hours per week for eight weeks duringthe fall spring and summer I sessions, 30hours per week for four weeks during thesecond summer session. Upon completionof each program of study, students take a

final departmental examination andreceive a written evaluation of theirachievements.

Apart from the intensive program, ELIalso offers a semi-intensive program,which, according to Ramos, is open tostudents who are not able to devote all oftheir time to intensive study.

“The goal of the semi-intensive programis to help students improve their spokenEnglish,” Ramos said. “Students learnvocabulary and grammatical structuresthat are part of daily life in the UnitedStates, and they participate in individualand group activities which reinforce theirlearning.”

According to Madrigal, the tuition foreach course in the semi-intensive programis $300 and includes books.

services. “All of the money put together helps

pay for general expenses of the students,”Rivera said. “What we follow is Texas’law that designates the amount that willbe provided to each area of theuniversity.”

UTPA follows the Texas School LawBulletin when parceling out studentmoney. Accordingly the tuition forresident students at a general academicteaching institution for the 2000-2001academic year was $40 per semestercredit hour, in the 2001-2002 school yearit was $42 per semester hour while thisyear students pay $44 per semester hour.Eventually the cost will be $50 persemester hour in 2005.

Though that doesn’t seem like much ofan increase, freshman pre-optometrymajor Julie Casas felt that some studentscould suffer from the rise of tuition.

“I don’t think that increasing tuition isa good idea considering that many highschool graduates already don’t attendcollege due to the high cost,” Casas said.“Financial aid helps students a great dealthough, so hopefully individuals canreceive the money they need to make itthrough college.”

Rivera stated that though the tuitionwill continue to increase over the decade,the benefits the university will receivefrom it should increase, leading to moreopportunities for the students. The state isalso seeking to increase the number ofcollege students by 100,000 as part of theClosing the Gaps by 2015 program.

Despite the reasoning and the plan,many students still feel that they do notknow where exactly their money is goingto. Erica Escalon is a senior majoring inphysiology who said she would like to bea little more informed about where hertuition is going.

“I’m a bit confused about what the

money is being used for,” Escalon said.“For instance, I understand that we arepaying a Student Union fee but whatabout this idea for the shuttle buses? Ithink it’ll be a great thing if the schooldoes receive the shuttles, but are we[students] going to pay for them thoughtuition and fees?”

Freshman interdisciplinary studiesmajor Denise Camargo feels that the extrafees could be used for other purposes.

“I feel the tuition isn’t that expensive,if you are from here, [the Rio GrandeValley] however, there are several littleextra fees that I don’t think we should becharged for,” Camargo said.

Some could say that UTPA has little tocomplain about. Though tuition hasincreased 9.6 percent nationally at four-year public universities, the number ofstudents receiving financial aid has alsobeen on the rise. A recent USA Todayarticle said that a record $90 billion wasavailable to students around the nation in2001-2002.

At UTPA, the number of students whoreceive financial aid is high, and withprograms such as the University Scholarsand the Texas Grant, students now havegreater opportunities to receive money tohelp pay for their tuition.

However, the university may be part ofa new upward rate movement that most ofthe other schools in the University ofTexas system are mired in.

According to a Dallas Morning Newsreport last week, leaders of Texas’ largestuniversity systems, including theUniversity of Texas, Texas A&M and theUniversity of Houston systems, want theTexas Legislature, which convenes inJanuary, to give them the power to settuition rates, and eventually lead tohigher bills. For universities, it wouldlead a new way of gaining revenue intight economic times.

ELI continued from page 1

GOT SOMETHING TOSAY?

The Pan American wants to hear what youhave to say about stories, current events oranything you want to rant about. Send yourresponses to [email protected]

November 14, 2002 Sports Page 13

Arizona atPhiladelphia

Just when I thought Arizona was for real, theylose to Seat tle. The Eagles also got embarrassedat home, but I expect them to bounce back.

Eagles by 14Matt Celeste GregEagles Eagles Eagles

Buffalo at Kansas City

The bye week helped the Bills prepare for atough task in Arrowhead Stadium. It will be closebut Buffalo wins at the end.

Bills by 7Matt Celeste GregBills Chiefs Chiefs

Dallas atIndianapolis

The Colts put on a show in Phily-let’s see if theycan do the same at home.

Cowboys by 3Matt Celeste GregCowboys Colts Cowboys

New Orleans at Atlanta

Remember the first matchup a few weeks ago?Falcon quar terback Michael Vick won round one,I expect round two to go to Aaron Brooks.

Saints by 10Matt Celeste GregSaints Saints Saints

Washington at N.Y. Giants

Once upon a time, this was for the NFC East, butnow it’s a game to see who’s going to be .500.

Giants by 6Matt Celeste GregGiants Redskins Giants

San Francisco atSan Diego

Two teams that hope to make the Super Bowl willsquare off.

Chargers by 6Matt Celeste GregChargers Niners Chargers

Jacksonville atHouston

I will be the first to say Texan quar terback DavidCarr should win rookie-of-the year honors.

Jaguars by 14Matt Celeste Greg Texans Texans Jaguars

New England at Oakland

I know Raider fans are saying they should’vebeen in the Super Bowl if it wasn’t for the ques-tionable call in January.

Raiders by 10

Matt Celeste GregRaiders Raiders Raiders

Baltimore at Miami

The Dolphins haven't been the same since quar-terback Jay Fiedler suffered his injur y.

Dolphins by 3Matt Celeste GregDolphins Dolphins Dolphins

Cleveland at Cincinnati

Every team that plays the Bengals should have agimme, but at this time of year anything can hap-pen.

Browns by 10

Matt Celeste GregBrowns Browns Bengals

Green Bay at Minnesota

This season, everything is going Bret t Favre’sway and he is on his way to his third MVP award.

Packers by 10Matt Celeste GregPackers Packers Packers

Pittsburgh at Tennessee

Say good-bye to the Titan winning streak. Steelers by 6

Matt Celeste GregSteelers Steelers Steelers

Carolina at Tampa Bay

No team has had a tougher year than Carolina.They need to learn how to win the close games

Bucs by 10Matt Celeste Greg

Bucs Bucs Bucs

Denver at Seattle

The Broncos are arguably the best team in theAFC.

Broncos by 17Matt Celeste GregBroncos Broncos Broncos

N.Y. Jets atDetroit

The Jets are back in the playoff hunt.Jets by 10

Matt Celeste GregJets Jets Jets

Chicago at St. Louis

The Bears have lit tle chance in St. Louis.Rams by 14

Matt Celeste GregRams Rams Rams

StaffMikeGonzalez:84-59-1,.587GregSelber:79-64-

1,..552Celeste Y.Tello: 82-61-1, .573 MattLynch: 82-61-1, .573

Staff Swami Records

Mike GonzalezSports Editor

Swamis

Dr. Greg SelberAdviser

Matt LynchEditor

Celeste TelloReporter

KSOX to broad-cast coaches showFor the third consecutive year,

KSOX-AM 1240 will broadcast theUTPA men’s and women’s coach’sshow, and XERV Channel 9 (Cable21) will also broadcast the show.The men’s basketball show withhead coach Bob Hoffman will airat 11:30 a.m Friday on the radioand 10 p.m. Saturday on TV. Thewomen’s show with interim headcoach Tracy Anderson will also airon both radio and TV. The men’sshow will be hosted by SportsDirector Jeff Koch, while thewomen’s show will be hosted byKoch’s assistant, Mark Flores.

Tickets on salefor SPI Tourney

The men’s basketball program iscompeting in the inaugural SouthPadre Island RoundballInvitational Tournament at the

Convention Center Nov. 22-24.Tickets for Friday night’s andSunday afternoon’s games are onsale for just $15 for UTPA stu-dents.

The charge includes a busride toand from the game, as well as anorange Bronc T-shirt. The first busfilled will win a pizza party.

On Friday night, the Bronc’s willplay against New Mexico State andon Sunday at noon against 2002NCAA Tournament team Tulsa.

Tickets are on sale at the StudentUnion Director’s Office.

UTPA tennisschedule released

The UTPA’s men’s and women’stennis schedule was released fornext spring. The men’s team willhost six tournaments includingdates with TAMU-Corpus ChristiFeb. 16, and University of Texas-San Antonio April 12. Thewomen’s team starts its seasonwith four tournaments on the road.

SPORTS CLIPBOARD

November 14, 2002 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 5November 14, 2002 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 12

Different ways of helping the communitywill be on display soon at the University ofTexas-Pan American, as the Office ofStudent Development will host a VolunteerService Fair Nov. 21 at the Student UnionEast Patio. The purpose of this fair will bedistribute information and discuss volunteeropportunities from nonprofit organizationsaround the Rio Grande Valley.

According to Raul Antonio Moreno,coordinator of Student Development, thisfair is in its fifth year, and every year seemsto be drawing in more students who areinterested in donating their time tocommunity service. The fair is especiallypopular among campus organizations insearch of regional projects.

“As far as I know, the Service Fair wascreated to bring community nonprofitorganizations to interact with students andcampus organizations to give them theopportunity to possibly participate in theirprojects,” Moreno said. “This fair can teachdifferent values to the university studentsand open their minds to the needs of theValley, as well as give them [students] achance to help out in any way they can.”

Different community organizations suchas the Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg,Dress for Success, RGV, Mujeras Unidasand United Blood Services attend this yearlyevent in hopes of encouraging students to

volunteer for their cause. Moreno said that the American Heart

Association has been interested in findingstudents who would enjoy participating inthe American Heart Walk later this year.

Down the line you know someone withheart problems, whether it be a heart attackor high blood pressure, especially in thisarea so doing this service is a way to affectsomeone's life indirectly and learnsomething about the organization as well,”he said.

UTPA junior Lorena Flores is the servicechair for Kappa Delta Chi Sorority. Thesorority is planning to attend the service fairto find different community serviceactivities the entire group will enjoyparticipating in.

“In my organization we do over 300hours of community service per semester,”Flores said. “So going to this fair will helpus interact with new places that might needour help with activities or just need studentsto dedicate their time to serve the people ofthe Valley.”

Another student interested in attendingthis year’s fair is sophomore Omar Riojas, amember of the Youth Catholic Ministry andthe Student Leadership Program.

“I really enjoy attending activities like thisservice fair,” Riojas said. “I want to do mypart in helping out the community andmaking sure that the Valley will be preparedto serve future generations, not to mentionthe people living here right now.”

Service Fair will take place Nov. 21By CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American

Students and staff at the University of Texas-PanAmerican are helping the Rio Grande Valley FoodBank to prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

According to Rick Gray, director of StudentHealth Services, the department is having a cannedfood drive so they can donate nonperishable food tothe food bank.

Mimi Segovia, former senior clerk at StudentHealth Services and organizer of the drive, says theevent is designed to help people who are in need offood.

“We want to help the community,” said Segovia.“We want to help them since we are in the healthbusiness.”

Gray says they are thankful for the food that isbeing donated; however this is also an opportunityfor UTPA students to receive a discount price oncertain health services provided by department,including flu shots.

“We don’t set a specific goal,” said Gray. “It’sreally an opportunity for students to get theirimmunizations at a discounted price.”

Myra Martinez, director of community affairs atthe Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, says they arepleased with the help because peak times of need areapproaching.

“When we get close to the holiday season, theclient demand increases,” said Martinez. “Morepeople are seeking food assistance.”

In addition to a discounted price onimmunizations, Segovia says they are also givingaway door prizes to people who donate food. Suchprizes include gift certificates to the UTPABookstore and several T-shirts.

Other student organizations are helping the foodbank According to Dawne Hill, coordinator for the

UTPA Bronc Life Skills Program, 85 athletes willvolunteer at the food bank this Saturday.

Hill says the Bronc Life Skills Program helps giveparticipating athletes educational experiences fortheir academic, athletic and personal growth. Onepart of this includes community service.

“We want our community to know that just asthey take interest in us when they come to our meetsand games, we are interested in helping them,” saysHill. “We want to assist them in any way possible.”

When they arrive at the food bank, Hill says theathletes will be in charge of product recovery:inspecting, cleaning and sorting out the food.Athletes will also volunteer at the food bankwarehouse where they will check inventory plusload and unload packages.

“We picked this time of year becauseThanksgiving is coming up,” said Hill. “We knowthat a lot of donations are made and so we wanted toget active in the community and help out.”

Hill added that it is very hard to coordinate all theathletes in different sports to provide communityservice at the same time. Still, this will be the biggestproject the program will work for this year. Theyhope that this is just the beginning in regard to futureassistance.

During this time of year, Martinez says they get alot of student organizations to help with the fooddrive. With the assistance, the food bank is able toraise more food for the community.

Martinez added that the food bank encouragesstudents to volunteer their time.

“We are always asking for assistance infundraisers,” said Martinez. “If anybody comes in tovolunteer, it would be a tremendous help.”

If student organizations or UTPA departments arelooking to help the Student Health Services with thefood drive, Segovia suggests they contact the bankto arrange to put a drop-off box where it is needed.

Food drive ongoingBy JENNIFER TAPIAThe Pan American

UTPA’s award-winning studentnewspaper, The Pan American,seeks enthusiastic students toreport the following:■ Campus and Education■ Science, Environment & Health■ Politics and Government■ Arts and Leisure■ Business and Technology■ PhotographyVolunteer and paid positionsare available.Reporters will gainvaluable experience tocarry over into anycareer. All majorsaccepted.

APPLY NOW AT CAS170! Or CALL (956) 381-2541.

Jointhe

team!


The local College for Texans campaignlaunches today at 10 a.m. at the South TexasIndependent School District Bibliotecas lasAmericas, located at Mile 2 West andExpressway 83 in Mercedes.

Students, parents, educators, elected officials,community representatives, school officials, andlocal higher education institutions will cometogether to pledge to do their part in supportingand encouraging more Valley students to get ahigher education.

The campaign is part of the state’s “Closingthe Gaps by 2015” education plan, which wasadopted by the Texas Higher EducationCoordinating Board in October 2000. The 2001Texas Legislature mandated the campaign withSenate Bill 573. The purpose of the “College forTexans” campaign is to help meet the state’sgoal of enrolling 500,000 Texans in highereducation institutes by the year 2015.

Currently the participation rate in Texasrepresents only 4.9 percent of the population,lower than the state’s rate a decade ago. Thestate ranks behind many others in regard topercentage of students enrolled. The plan callsfor closing this gap nationally as well asstatewide.

The event will begin with an introduction byBob Shepard, member of the Texas HigherEducation Coordinating Board. Following himwill be Carmen de Leon, Weslaco East High

school parent, and Juan Rodriguez, a freshmanat W.A. Todd High in Donna who will shareparent and student perspectives.

Dr. Shirley A. Reed, president of STCC, willspeak on the higher education perspective andLisandro Ramon, chair of the Lyford CISD, willrepresent public schools in his speech.Representatives will all sign a letter ofcommitment and support to the campaign.

As a symbol, students who are present will begiven small pots with the words “Education. GoGet It,” the campaign slogan, printed on them.

“Today we are planting the seed in thesefertile young minds that they can go to college,that they can fulfill their dreams,” said Reed. “Itis up to all of us as a community to nurture ouryouth so that the seeds take root and blossom.”

Valley universities and colleges have alreadybeen working with local communities andschools to promote higher education amongValley students. Results have been positive, asall institutions showed increases in enrollmentfor the fall semester.

“The coordinated statewide campaign servesto strengthen the work that has already begun,”said Julia Benitez Sullivan, director of theOffice University Relations and chair of the RioGrande Valley planning committee. “STCC,TSTC, Region One, Tech Prep, UTBrownsville/Texas Southmost College, GEARUP, and the University of Texas-Pan Americanare working together to promote success andincrease higher education participationstatewide.”

Enrollment plan to be initiated By AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American

Jennifer Tapia/The Pan American

CRAVIN’ A TREATErica Cabrera (foreground) and Kristina Muniz ogle the pastries selection at Cafe A La CartéMonday, in anticipation of a noontime snack.

November 14, 2002 Arts & Entertainment Page 11

She does what she wants, period. FaithHill has been criticized many times aftercrossing over from country to a more popsound, which makes people in Nashvillea little bit angry. But the country girlfrom Mississippi will not let that stop herfrom making the kind of album she feelsis best.

After a year off, Hill is leaving hercowboy hat and boots behind to comeback with a new album completelyoutside of her original roots. “Cry,” herfifth album released Oct. 15, follows up“Breathe,” her 1999 release that soldover 7 million copies. After that album’sgigantic success, it was expected that thefollow-up would be a little different thanthe traditional country album. Hillchanged her style and went pop this timearound, reaching a more vast audience allaround the world.

“I make music for my fans and I’mdoing what I love to do,” Hill has said of

her latest album. “Not everyone hasembraced the fact that my music hasexpanded or that my image has changed,but for the most part I feel the industry isvery proud.”

“Cry” is a mix of 14 fast and slow lovesongs, in which she showcases her voicelike only she knows how. Her vocalrange and power gives listeners the chillswhen they hear it for the first time. Shedidn’t hold anything back and she singsher heart out on all 14 tracks, as if eachsong were her last.

The song “This Is Me,” tells us exactlywhere Hill is at this point in her life andthe lyrics describe the entire album.“Yeah, this is me/I’m not afraid/I’m notashamed/This is me.”

Those who are fans of Faith Hill willlove her new album.

“It is very different than what sheusually does, but I like it,” said UTPAstudent Jennifer Piwonka, one of manyHill fans. “I liked the lyrics and the poptwist that she brought to her music.”

Those who are new to her willprobably see her as another pop artistjust going through the motions trying tomake a few millions. But it is far fromthe truth. Her voice will hit you rightwhere it counts, which is not the case forBritney Spears and other young, cheesypop stars who couldn’t even carry a tuneto save their lives.

Although the sound on “Cry” isn’trevolutionary and is nothing new to thepop scene, it is a good album to buy toappreciate Hill’s talent and beauty. It willnot break any records, but it will for suresell a few million copies easily andplease a great number of fans.

Hill moves awayfrom her roots

Artist: Faith Hill

Title: “Cry”

Previous albums:“Breathe,” “Faith,” “It

Matters to Me,” “Take MeAs I Am”

Total tracks: 14

1. “8 Mile” soundtrack

2. “Stripped” - ChristinaAguilera

3. “Nirvana” - Nirvana

4. “Shaman” - Santana

5. “Melt” - Rascal Flatts

6. “Cry” - Faith Hill

7. “Scarlet’s Walk” -Tori Amos

8. “The Eminem Show”- Eminem

9. “Let Go” - AvrilLavigne

10. “Home” - DixieChicks

BILLBOARDCHART

Faith Hill’s latest albumgathers fans from bothcountry and pop music

By ALEXANDRA GRAVELSpecial to The Pan American

Last week’s results

With the Valley growingby leaps and bounds, onenative is doing his part toensure the growth of localmusical talent.

Alex Luna is an eagerentrepreneur who hascombined his love for musicwith an original idea tosupport local bands.Because Luna is in a bandhimself and knows firsthandthe struggles and barriersfaced by up-and-cominggroups, he has created aproduction company toprovide area musicians withmuch-needed exposure.

“I believe [exposingValley talent] does showpromise. Our show turnoutsare becoming bigger eachtime. I will have thepersonal satisfaction that Iwas one of the pioneers ofexposing Valley music tothe rest of the U.S.,” said32-year-old Luna, thefounder ofLunatic

Productions. “Nobody isreally doing the type ofthing I'm doing; or at leastto the certain extent I'mdoing it.”

Luna attended theUniversity of Texas-PanAmerican for two years as acriminal justice major, butbecame sidetracked by theglamour associated with themusic industry.

“At the time, I was in aband that was planning tomove to Austin. My parentswere pressuring me to find acareer and drop the musicthing as a whole,” Lunasaid. “Well, the band movedto Austin and I stayed toattend the police academy. Itwas then that I left themusic thing and became apolice officer for a couple ofyears.”

After years of ignoringhis musical calling, Lunapicked up his guitar lastyear and rediscovered a lostlove.

“The productioncompanystarted inFebruary 2002,

with aWebsite. The

initialWebsite,

“enraged.indiegroup.com,”was created for my band atfirst,” Luna said.

“At that time, we werelooking for a drummer, so Ididn’t have much info aboutthe band. I started to includeother Valley bands’ info andthe idea caught on. A coupleof months later, throughword of mouth and flyers,the site had taken over 500hits. That’s when I decidedto stick with a Valley musicWebsite.”

Lunatic Productions is aWebzine from a small homestudio based in Weslacofrom which Luna operates.Luna later united withSmegma Entertainment,which produces shows forlocal bands and provides thevenue, stage, lights andsound for the shows. Asidefrom his home-based

business, they

[members of LunaticProductions] also haveanother larger home studioin which they record demosfor local bands.

Luna said he is in chargeof booking bands andupdating the Website withphotos and info. Because heis the founder of theproduction company Lunaalso runs the whole setup.Other people write articlesand gather information on

Valley shows and inputinformation on theWebsite. Cris Lopezalso aids in bookingbands and running thesound at the Smegmashow. Gus Lopez is incharge of running theequipment at the shows,while Carlos Alvarez andRoli Lopez help with theadministrative duties ofthe company.

“They are the guysyou will see at the door,and backstage in aSmegma show,” Lunasaid.

“I am proud to saythat my Website has themost links to Valleyband Websites, than anyother,” Luna said.

When Luna first startedLunatic Productions, he wasthe company’s loneemployee, but with theassistance of M.P.H.Productions the companybegan to grow.

But why hasn’t the Valleyhad previous companiessuch as LunaticProductions? Luna feelsthere are a variety ofreasons, but believes thelack of band exposure, themindset of Valley nativesand the lack of money haveall contributed to the dearth.

“The economic income ofValley residents definitelyaffects the job. When I livedin California, I would hearabout local gigs all the time,and I wasn’t involved inmusic then,” Luna said.“Here, it’s a different story.You’d be lucky if a DJ willgive a band a free plug-in.

That's why I believe ourfollowing is a loyal one. Wedo most of the advertisingalone and through word ofmouth of our brotherhood.”

With so much going onwith the business, and withthe merger of Smegmaentertainment, the group isnot stopping there. Theyhave been working to bringtogether the local bands ofthe Valley for an originalfeat.

The name LunaticProductions is the officialname of the Webzine andthe label that will release acompilation compact discfeaturing seven Valleybands. Each band willperform two songs in aneffort to bring moreattention to the local musicscene. The bands that willbe on the CD include Ded,Scarabaeus, Tragic Komic,

■ Theater production 8-9

■ Culture Club. . . . . . 10

■ CD review. . . . . . . . 11ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 7

AroundTown

Valley SymphonyOrchestraNov. 14 at 8 p.m.Place: UTPA Fine ArtsAuditorium, EdinburgEvent: Under thedirection of Dr. PeterDabrowski, the ValleySymphony Orchestra willperform a number ofselections, includingHandel’s “Hornpipe fromWater Music,” Mozart’s“Sinfonia concertante”and Tchaikovsky’s“Symphony N. 4.”Phone: (956) 393-2293

‘Sleeping Beauty’Nov. 15, 7 p.m. and Nov.16, 2 p.m.Place: 2021 La VistaAve., McAllenEvent: The McAllen HighSchool TheaterDepartment will performtheir annual children’sshow with ‘SleepingBeauty’ as this year’sproduction.Price: $4 for adults, $2for students and seniorcitizens.Phone: (956) 632-3135

Vintage Style Show andLuncheonNov. 21Place: Shary EstatesEvent: The InternationalWomen’s Board presentsa show which will featurevintage styles from the1920s to the present.Phone: (956) 381-3665

Monica’s Angels DayDec. 14Place: North BroadwayHardware StoreEvent: Performancesfrom groups like the McHisingers and Rowe HighSchool’s Razzmatazz willhighlight a number of actsduring Monica’s AngelsDay.Phone: (956) 682-2020

By CESAR TREVIOThe Pan American

Producing Talent

See PRODUCTION page 10

UTPA alum creates production company to expose talented Valley music scene

A lot of productioncompanies in the Valleytake advantage of thehunger of these Valley

bands.They are really in itfor the money and not the

love of the music. “

“

- Alex Luna, founder of Lunatic Productions


GETGETINFORMED!INFORMED!with the FREE NewsSource of the Valley

Read The Pan Americanevery Thursday afternoon

■ News■ Arts & Entertainment

■ Sports

Movie: “Gone in 60 Seconds”Book: “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia PlathWebsite: rotten.com

CD: “Nevermind” by NirvanaMovie: “Desperado”Website: shockrave.com

CD: “Sublime” by SublimeMovie: “Fight Club”Website: yahoo.com

Eileen HarrodSophomorePsychology

Bobby FonsecaSophomorePsychology

Michael QuesadaFreshmanPsychology

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

ThePRODUCTION continued from page 7

9five6, Drain of Life,Enraged and Slowgrind.

The album drops inDecember and will feature apicture and bio of each band.Lunatic Productions is alsoreleasing Enraged’s firstalbum at the end of thismonth.

“It is very hard to getseveral bands in agreement.A lot of productioncompanies in the Valley takeadvantage of the hunger ofthese Valley bands,” Lunasaid. “They are really in itfor the money and not thelove of the music. Theydon’t care about exposingthese bands, they only carehow much money they’llmake if they book a band toplay for free and keep all themoney they make at theshow.”

In addition to workingwith his productioncompany, Luna maintains aseparate job on the side andcares for his wife and threechildren.

“When I get home, I havea lot of fun jamming withmy band and playing withother bands at shows. As forthe production company, it’sseeing a great turnout andenjoying the music of whatthe valley has to offer,” hesaid.

Luna hopes that bypromoting bands from thelocal music scene, futureValley bands may have theopportunity to strike it rich.

“We look at the futurewith the hope that byexposing the Valley scene,one of these bands will getsigned by a major label,”Luna said. “We believe thatthere is enough great talentin the Valley, and it willcreate a ‘domino effect’ andopen the doors for otherValley bands. Our short-termgoal for now is the release ofthe compilation.”

Besides throwing shows,updating the website andrecording demos, Luna hasconsidered expanding intothe realm of music videos,possibly producing a video

for an Enraged song fromtheir forthcoming album.

Luna hopes Valley musicalpromotion doesn’t end withhis company. He encouragesothers to follow in hisfootsteps and carry on thetorch and continue themovement he has helpedbegin.

“[People should] go tothese shows and learn aboutour scene and the people thatmake it happen. A lot ofthese bands have productioncompanies themselves, likeRed Barn Productions andSmegma Entertainment, so Iwould tell a person wantingto do the same as I do thathe or she should get to knowthe bands and the peoplewho throw these showsregularly,” Luna said.

We look at the future withthe hope that by exposingthe Valley scene one of

these bands will get signedby a major label. “

“


November 14, 2002 Arts & Entertainment Page 9November 14, 2002 Arts & Entertainment Page 8

“A Glass of Water” byEugene Scribes is

scheduled to begin Nov.20 at the Jeffers Theatre

at the University ofTexas-Pan American

Eric Wiley, UTPAprofessor anddirector of the play,says “A Glass ofWater” is a lightcomedy which takesplace in England, in1710. Although thestory is set in the

past, Wiley plans touse a modern translation

for the play.“This play is about 160 years

old,” said Wiley. “It has manyfeatures that if you saw them ina new play you would think it isvery modern.”

According to Wiley, the playis about a naïve young man whodoes not realize that so manywomen in the royal court are inlove with him. He adds that thetheme of the play is that littlethings can have a great impact inthe world.

“The glass of water refers to asignal that the queen issupposed to give to someone inthe play,” Wiley said. “She isgoing to ask for a glass of waterand it’s really a code to meet theyoung guy.”

When holding auditions forthe play, Wiley says he waslooking for people who spokeclearly and very quickly, becausethe show has a fast pace. The

main characters of the show arebeing played by Michael Flores,Didi Duron, Ruby Guerra, NazliCantu and Tom Pearson.

Guerra, who plays QueenAnne, describes her character asbeing very naïve yetmanipulative She adds that theplay is different because a man,instead of a woman, is beingused as a sex symbol.

“The queen isn’t really aqueen,” Guerra said. “She is nota leader until toward the end ofthe play.”

Flores, who plays ArthurMasham, says his character is avery ignorant person whodoesn’t realize that all the giftshe receives are from the womenwho love him. He hopes thisshow will attract people to comesee it because it is veryinteresting and funny.

Behind the scenes of the playare the people who create theshows image. Tom Grabowski,technical director of the show,says students are working veryhard to have the show ready foropening night.

“They are doing a lot, they arethe ones doing all theconstruction,” said Grabowski.“They have been taking the

plans that I give them and[building] the pieces we need.”

Grabowski says students havefinished the platform for thestage and are currently workingon the back wall and doors. Headds that some of the materialused in the play is beingprovided by funds from studentservice fees, plus profits fromprevious shows.

“Some of the materials wehave, some we are buying andsome we are borrowing,” saidGrabowski. “We get funds fromstudent service fees, which iswhy student tickets are free withan ID.”

Kate Ellis, costume designerfor the play, says students arealso helping with costumes.Students have been assisting herwith the shopping and alterationsof the wardrobe.

“There is a lot that goes in tothe play,” Ellis said. “Readingthe play, analyzing the play andfinding out what the directorwants.”

Ellis said the directororiginally wanted the wardrobeto have a spring style. However,she explained that since it iscurrently fall, it was hard forthem to find spring wardrobe.

“The director wanted the showto be in spring,” Ellis said. “It’sfall and there aren’t many springclothes in the stores right know,I literally found nothing.”

When shopping for costumesat stores, Ellis says she usuallygoes to places such asBurlington Coat Factory,Marshall’s and Ross becausethey are able to get a goodquality of clothes at a low price.She adds that since they aredoing a modern show, they arealso using modern costumes forthe actors.

“We’re interpreting how thesecharacters would dress now intheir position,” Ellis said. “Theplay is still set during itsperiod.”

Although not many peoplehave heard of Eugene Scribes,Wiley hopes this play will begood to the audience and thecommunity so they canrecognize a modern comedy as ahistory that goes back a longtime ago.

“A Glass of Water” isscheduled to play weeknights at8 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 24at 2 p.m. For more informationon the play, people can contactthe Jeffers Theatre Box Office.

Philosophy professor Dr. TomPearson rehearses a line from“A Glass of Water.”

(Left) - Costume assistantMonica Quintanilla addsfeathers to a hat whichwill be used in the play.

(Above) - Ronnie Navarro (right) and Mike Salazar prepare a chair that will be used for the production.

(Left) - Hernan Cortez enhances the scenery by adding a door to the back wall.

This play isabout 160

years old. It hasmany featuresthat if you sawthem in a newplay you wouldthink it is very

modern. “

“

- Eric Wiley, director

Story and photosby Jennifer Tapia

Set designers, costumer-makers, actors all makefinal preparations for new theater production

Getting readyfor ‘Glass’

November 14, 2002 Arts & Entertainment Page 9November 14, 2002 Arts & Entertainment Page 8

“A Glass of Water” byEugene Scribes is

scheduled to begin Nov.20 at the Jeffers Theatre

at the University ofTexas-Pan American

Eric Wiley, UTPAprofessor anddirector of the play,says “A Glass ofWater” is a lightcomedy which takesplace in England, in1710. Although thestory is set in the

past, Wiley plans touse a modern translation

for the play.“This play is about 160 years

old,” said Wiley. “It has manyfeatures that if you saw them ina new play you would think it isvery modern.”

According to Wiley, the playis about a naïve young man whodoes not realize that so manywomen in the royal court are inlove with him. He adds that thetheme of the play is that littlethings can have a great impact inthe world.

“The glass of water refers to asignal that the queen issupposed to give to someone inthe play,” Wiley said. “She isgoing to ask for a glass of waterand it’s really a code to meet theyoung guy.”

When holding auditions forthe play, Wiley says he waslooking for people who spokeclearly and very quickly, becausethe show has a fast pace. The

main characters of the show arebeing played by Michael Flores,Didi Duron, Ruby Guerra, NazliCantu and Tom Pearson.

Guerra, who plays QueenAnne, describes her character asbeing very naïve yetmanipulative She adds that theplay is different because a man,instead of a woman, is beingused as a sex symbol.

“The queen isn’t really aqueen,” Guerra said. “She is nota leader until toward the end ofthe play.”

Flores, who plays ArthurMasham, says his character is avery ignorant person whodoesn’t realize that all the giftshe receives are from the womenwho love him. He hopes thisshow will attract people to comesee it because it is veryinteresting and funny.

Behind the scenes of the playare the people who create theshows image. Tom Grabowski,technical director of the show,says students are working veryhard to have the show ready foropening night.

“They are doing a lot, they arethe ones doing all theconstruction,” said Grabowski.“They have been taking the

plans that I give them and[building] the pieces we need.”

Grabowski says students havefinished the platform for thestage and are currently workingon the back wall and doors. Headds that some of the materialused in the play is beingprovided by funds from studentservice fees, plus profits fromprevious shows.

“Some of the materials wehave, some we are buying andsome we are borrowing,” saidGrabowski. “We get funds fromstudent service fees, which iswhy student tickets are free withan ID.”

Kate Ellis, costume designerfor the play, says students arealso helping with costumes.Students have been assisting herwith the shopping and alterationsof the wardrobe.

“There is a lot that goes in tothe play,” Ellis said. “Readingthe play, analyzing the play andfinding out what the directorwants.”

Ellis said the directororiginally wanted the wardrobeto have a spring style. However,she explained that since it iscurrently fall, it was hard forthem to find spring wardrobe.

“The director wanted the showto be in spring,” Ellis said. “It’sfall and there aren’t many springclothes in the stores right know,I literally found nothing.”

When shopping for costumesat stores, Ellis says she usuallygoes to places such asBurlington Coat Factory,Marshall’s and Ross becausethey are able to get a goodquality of clothes at a low price.She adds that since they aredoing a modern show, they arealso using modern costumes forthe actors.

“We’re interpreting how thesecharacters would dress now intheir position,” Ellis said. “Theplay is still set during itsperiod.”

Although not many peoplehave heard of Eugene Scribes,Wiley hopes this play will begood to the audience and thecommunity so they canrecognize a modern comedy as ahistory that goes back a longtime ago.

“A Glass of Water” isscheduled to play weeknights at8 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 24at 2 p.m. For more informationon the play, people can contactthe Jeffers Theatre Box Office.

Philosophy professor Dr. TomPearson rehearses a line from“A Glass of Water.”

(Left) - Costume assistantMonica Quintanilla addsfeathers to a hat whichwill be used in the play.

(Above) - Ronnie Navarro (right) and Mike Salazar prepare a chair that will be used for the production.

(Left) - Hernan Cortez enhances the scenery by adding a door to the back wall.

This play isabout 160

years old. It hasmany featuresthat if you sawthem in a newplay you wouldthink it is very

modern. “

“

- Eric Wiley, director

Story and photosby Jennifer Tapia

Set designers, costumer-makers, actors all makefinal preparations for new theater production

Getting readyfor ‘Glass’

With the Valley growingby leaps and bounds, onenative is doing his part toensure the growth of localmusical talent.

Alex Luna is an eagerentrepreneur who hascombined his love for musicwith an original idea tosupport local bands.Because Luna is in a bandhimself and knows firsthandthe struggles and barriersfaced by up-and-cominggroups, he has created aproduction company toprovide area musicians withmuch-needed exposure.

“I believe [exposingValley talent] does showpromise. Our show turnoutsare becoming bigger eachtime. I will have thepersonal satisfaction that Iwas one of the pioneers ofexposing Valley music tothe rest of the U.S.,” said32-year-old Luna, thefounder ofLunatic

Productions. “Nobody isreally doing the type ofthing I'm doing; or at leastto the certain extent I'mdoing it.”

Luna attended theUniversity of Texas-PanAmerican for two years as acriminal justice major, butbecame sidetracked by theglamour associated with themusic industry.

“At the time, I was in aband that was planning tomove to Austin. My parentswere pressuring me to find acareer and drop the musicthing as a whole,” Lunasaid. “Well, the band movedto Austin and I stayed toattend the police academy. Itwas then that I left themusic thing and became apolice officer for a couple ofyears.”

After years of ignoringhis musical calling, Lunapicked up his guitar lastyear and rediscovered a lostlove.

“The productioncompanystarted inFebruary 2002,

with aWebsite. The

initialWebsite,

“enraged.indiegroup.com,”was created for my band atfirst,” Luna said.

“At that time, we werelooking for a drummer, so Ididn’t have much info aboutthe band. I started to includeother Valley bands’ info andthe idea caught on. A coupleof months later, throughword of mouth and flyers,the site had taken over 500hits. That’s when I decidedto stick with a Valley musicWebsite.”

Lunatic Productions is aWebzine from a small homestudio based in Weslacofrom which Luna operates.Luna later united withSmegma Entertainment,which produces shows forlocal bands and provides thevenue, stage, lights andsound for the shows. Asidefrom his home-based

business, they

[members of LunaticProductions] also haveanother larger home studioin which they record demosfor local bands.

Luna said he is in chargeof booking bands andupdating the Website withphotos and info. Because heis the founder of theproduction company Lunaalso runs the whole setup.Other people write articlesand gather information on

Valley shows and inputinformation on theWebsite. Cris Lopezalso aids in bookingbands and running thesound at the Smegmashow. Gus Lopez is incharge of running theequipment at the shows,while Carlos Alvarez andRoli Lopez help with theadministrative duties ofthe company.

“They are the guysyou will see at the door,and backstage in aSmegma show,” Lunasaid.

“I am proud to saythat my Website has themost links to Valleyband Websites, than anyother,” Luna said.

When Luna first startedLunatic Productions, he wasthe company’s loneemployee, but with theassistance of M.P.H.Productions the companybegan to grow.

But why hasn’t the Valleyhad previous companiessuch as LunaticProductions? Luna feelsthere are a variety ofreasons, but believes thelack of band exposure, themindset of Valley nativesand the lack of money haveall contributed to the dearth.

“The economic income ofValley residents definitelyaffects the job. When I livedin California, I would hearabout local gigs all the time,and I wasn’t involved inmusic then,” Luna said.“Here, it’s a different story.You’d be lucky if a DJ willgive a band a free plug-in.

That's why I believe ourfollowing is a loyal one. Wedo most of the advertisingalone and through word ofmouth of our brotherhood.”

With so much going onwith the business, and withthe merger of Smegmaentertainment, the group isnot stopping there. Theyhave been working to bringtogether the local bands ofthe Valley for an originalfeat.

The name LunaticProductions is the officialname of the Webzine andthe label that will release acompilation compact discfeaturing seven Valleybands. Each band willperform two songs in aneffort to bring moreattention to the local musicscene. The bands that willbe on the CD include Ded,Scarabaeus, Tragic Komic,

■ Theater production 8-9

■ Culture Club. . . . . . 10

■ CD review. . . . . . . . 11ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 7

AroundTown

Valley SymphonyOrchestraNov. 14 at 8 p.m.Place: UTPA Fine ArtsAuditorium, EdinburgEvent: Under thedirection of Dr. PeterDabrowski, the ValleySymphony Orchestra willperform a number ofselections, includingHandel’s “Hornpipe fromWater Music,” Mozart’s“Sinfonia concertante”and Tchaikovsky’s“Symphony N. 4.”Phone: (956) 393-2293

‘Sleeping Beauty’Nov. 15, 7 p.m. and Nov.16, 2 p.m.Place: 2021 La VistaAve., McAllenEvent: The McAllen HighSchool TheaterDepartment will performtheir annual children’sshow with ‘SleepingBeauty’ as this year’sproduction.Price: $4 for adults, $2for students and seniorcitizens.Phone: (956) 632-3135

Vintage Style Show andLuncheonNov. 21Place: Shary EstatesEvent: The InternationalWomen’s Board presentsa show which will featurevintage styles from the1920s to the present.Phone: (956) 381-3665

Monica’s Angels DayDec. 14Place: North BroadwayHardware StoreEvent: Performancesfrom groups like the McHisingers and Rowe HighSchool’s Razzmatazz willhighlight a number of actsduring Monica’s AngelsDay.Phone: (956) 682-2020

By CESAR TREVIOThe Pan American

Producing Talent

See PRODUCTION page 10

UTPA alum creates production company to expose talented Valley music scene

A lot of productioncompanies in the Valleytake advantage of thehunger of these Valley

bands.They are really in itfor the money and not the

love of the music. “

“



GETGETINFORMED!INFORMED!with the FREE NewsSource of the Valley

Read The Pan Americanevery Thursday afternoon

■ News■ Arts & Entertainment

■ Sports

Movie: “Gone in 60 Seconds”Book: “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia PlathWebsite: rotten.com

CD: “Nevermind” by NirvanaMovie: “Desperado”Website: shockrave.com

CD: “Sublime” by SublimeMovie: “Fight Club”Website: yahoo.com

Eileen HarrodSophomorePsychology

Bobby FonsecaSophomorePsychology

Michael QuesadaFreshmanPsychology

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

ThePRODUCTION continued from page 7

9five6, Drain of Life,Enraged and Slowgrind.

The album drops inDecember and will feature apicture and bio of each band.Lunatic Productions is alsoreleasing Enraged’s firstalbum at the end of thismonth.

“It is very hard to getseveral bands in agreement.A lot of productioncompanies in the Valley takeadvantage of the hunger ofthese Valley bands,” Lunasaid. “They are really in itfor the money and not thelove of the music. Theydon’t care about exposingthese bands, they only carehow much money they’llmake if they book a band toplay for free and keep all themoney they make at theshow.”

In addition to workingwith his productioncompany, Luna maintains aseparate job on the side andcares for his wife and threechildren.

“When I get home, I havea lot of fun jamming withmy band and playing withother bands at shows. As forthe production company, it’sseeing a great turnout andenjoying the music of whatthe valley has to offer,” hesaid.

Luna hopes that bypromoting bands from thelocal music scene, futureValley bands may have theopportunity to strike it rich.

“We look at the futurewith the hope that byexposing the Valley scene,one of these bands will getsigned by a major label,”Luna said. “We believe thatthere is enough great talentin the Valley, and it willcreate a ‘domino effect’ andopen the doors for otherValley bands. Our short-termgoal for now is the release ofthe compilation.”

Besides throwing shows,updating the website andrecording demos, Luna hasconsidered expanding intothe realm of music videos,possibly producing a video

for an Enraged song fromtheir forthcoming album.

Luna hopes Valley musicalpromotion doesn’t end withhis company. He encouragesothers to follow in hisfootsteps and carry on thetorch and continue themovement he has helpedbegin.

“[People should] go tothese shows and learn aboutour scene and the people thatmake it happen. A lot ofthese bands have productioncompanies themselves, likeRed Barn Productions andSmegma Entertainment, so Iwould tell a person wantingto do the same as I do thathe or she should get to knowthe bands and the peoplewho throw these showsregularly,” Luna said.

We look at the future withthe hope that by exposingthe Valley scene one of

these bands will get signedby a major label. “

“



The local College for Texans campaignlaunches today at 10 a.m. at the South TexasIndependent School District Bibliotecas lasAmericas, located at Mile 2 West andExpressway 83 in Mercedes.

Students, parents, educators, elected officials,community representatives, school officials, andlocal higher education institutions will cometogether to pledge to do their part in supportingand encouraging more Valley students to get ahigher education.

The campaign is part of the state’s “Closingthe Gaps by 2015” education plan, which wasadopted by the Texas Higher EducationCoordinating Board in October 2000. The 2001Texas Legislature mandated the campaign withSenate Bill 573. The purpose of the “College forTexans” campaign is to help meet the state’sgoal of enrolling 500,000 Texans in highereducation institutes by the year 2015.

Currently the participation rate in Texasrepresents only 4.9 percent of the population,lower than the state’s rate a decade ago. Thestate ranks behind many others in regard topercentage of students enrolled. The plan callsfor closing this gap nationally as well asstatewide.

The event will begin with an introduction byBob Shepard, member of the Texas HigherEducation Coordinating Board. Following himwill be Carmen de Leon, Weslaco East High

school parent, and Juan Rodriguez, a freshmanat W.A. Todd High in Donna who will shareparent and student perspectives.

Dr. Shirley A. Reed, president of STCC, willspeak on the higher education perspective andLisandro Ramon, chair of the Lyford CISD, willrepresent public schools in his speech.Representatives will all sign a letter ofcommitment and support to the campaign.

As a symbol, students who are present will begiven small pots with the words “Education. GoGet It,” the campaign slogan, printed on them.

“Today we are planting the seed in thesefertile young minds that they can go to college,that they can fulfill their dreams,” said Reed. “Itis up to all of us as a community to nurture ouryouth so that the seeds take root and blossom.”

Valley universities and colleges have alreadybeen working with local communities andschools to promote higher education amongValley students. Results have been positive, asall institutions showed increases in enrollmentfor the fall semester.

“The coordinated statewide campaign servesto strengthen the work that has already begun,”said Julia Benitez Sullivan, director of theOffice University Relations and chair of the RioGrande Valley planning committee. “STCC,TSTC, Region One, Tech Prep, UTBrownsville/Texas Southmost College, GEARUP, and the University of Texas-Pan Americanare working together to promote success andincrease higher education participationstatewide.”

Enrollment plan to be initiated By AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American

Jennifer Tapia/The Pan American

CRAVIN’ A TREATErica Cabrera (foreground) and Kristina Muniz ogle the pastries selection at Cafe A La CartéMonday, in anticipation of a noontime snack.


She does what she wants, period. FaithHill has been criticized many times aftercrossing over from country to a more popsound, which makes people in Nashvillea little bit angry. But the country girlfrom Mississippi will not let that stop herfrom making the kind of album she feelsis best.

After a year off, Hill is leaving hercowboy hat and boots behind to comeback with a new album completelyoutside of her original roots. “Cry,” herfifth album released Oct. 15, follows up“Breathe,” her 1999 release that soldover 7 million copies. After that album’sgigantic success, it was expected that thefollow-up would be a little different thanthe traditional country album. Hillchanged her style and went pop this timearound, reaching a more vast audience allaround the world.

“I make music for my fans and I’mdoing what I love to do,” Hill has said of

her latest album. “Not everyone hasembraced the fact that my music hasexpanded or that my image has changed,but for the most part I feel the industry isvery proud.”

“Cry” is a mix of 14 fast and slow lovesongs, in which she showcases her voicelike only she knows how. Her vocalrange and power gives listeners the chillswhen they hear it for the first time. Shedidn’t hold anything back and she singsher heart out on all 14 tracks, as if eachsong were her last.

The song “This Is Me,” tells us exactlywhere Hill is at this point in her life andthe lyrics describe the entire album.“Yeah, this is me/I’m not afraid/I’m notashamed/This is me.”

Those who are fans of Faith Hill willlove her new album.

“It is very different than what sheusually does, but I like it,” said UTPAstudent Jennifer Piwonka, one of manyHill fans. “I liked the lyrics and the poptwist that she brought to her music.”

Those who are new to her willprobably see her as another pop artistjust going through the motions trying tomake a few millions. But it is far fromthe truth. Her voice will hit you rightwhere it counts, which is not the case forBritney Spears and other young, cheesypop stars who couldn’t even carry a tuneto save their lives.

Although the sound on “Cry” isn’trevolutionary and is nothing new to thepop scene, it is a good album to buy toappreciate Hill’s talent and beauty. It willnot break any records, but it will for suresell a few million copies easily andplease a great number of fans.

Hill moves awayfrom her roots

Artist: Faith Hill

Title: “Cry”

Previous albums:“Breathe,” “Faith,” “It

Matters to Me,” “Take MeAs I Am”

Total tracks: 14

1. “8 Mile” soundtrack

2. “Stripped” - ChristinaAguilera

3. “Nirvana” - Nirvana

4. “Shaman” - Santana

5. “Melt” - Rascal Flatts

6. “Cry” - Faith Hill

7. “Scarlet’s Walk” -Tori Amos

8. “The Eminem Show”- Eminem

9. “Let Go” - AvrilLavigne

10. “Home” - DixieChicks

BILLBOARDCHART

Faith Hill’s latest albumgathers fans from bothcountry and pop music

By ALEXANDRA GRAVELSpecial to The Pan American

Last week’s results

November 14, 2002 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 5November 14, 2002 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 12

Different ways of helping the communitywill be on display soon at the University ofTexas-Pan American, as the Office ofStudent Development will host a VolunteerService Fair Nov. 21 at the Student UnionEast Patio. The purpose of this fair will bedistribute information and discuss volunteeropportunities from nonprofit organizationsaround the Rio Grande Valley.

According to Raul Antonio Moreno,coordinator of Student Development, thisfair is in its fifth year, and every year seemsto be drawing in more students who areinterested in donating their time tocommunity service. The fair is especiallypopular among campus organizations insearch of regional projects.

“As far as I know, the Service Fair wascreated to bring community nonprofitorganizations to interact with students andcampus organizations to give them theopportunity to possibly participate in theirprojects,” Moreno said. “This fair can teachdifferent values to the university studentsand open their minds to the needs of theValley, as well as give them [students] achance to help out in any way they can.”

Different community organizations suchas the Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg,Dress for Success, RGV, Mujeras Unidasand United Blood Services attend this yearlyevent in hopes of encouraging students to

volunteer for their cause. Moreno said that the American Heart

Association has been interested in findingstudents who would enjoy participating inthe American Heart Walk later this year.

Down the line you know someone withheart problems, whether it be a heart attackor high blood pressure, especially in thisarea so doing this service is a way to affectsomeone's life indirectly and learnsomething about the organization as well,”he said.

UTPA junior Lorena Flores is the servicechair for Kappa Delta Chi Sorority. Thesorority is planning to attend the service fairto find different community serviceactivities the entire group will enjoyparticipating in.

“In my organization we do over 300hours of community service per semester,”Flores said. “So going to this fair will helpus interact with new places that might needour help with activities or just need studentsto dedicate their time to serve the people ofthe Valley.”

Another student interested in attendingthis year’s fair is sophomore Omar Riojas, amember of the Youth Catholic Ministry andthe Student Leadership Program.

“I really enjoy attending activities like thisservice fair,” Riojas said. “I want to do mypart in helping out the community andmaking sure that the Valley will be preparedto serve future generations, not to mentionthe people living here right now.”

Service Fair will take place Nov. 21By CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American

Students and staff at the University of Texas-PanAmerican are helping the Rio Grande Valley FoodBank to prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

According to Rick Gray, director of StudentHealth Services, the department is having a cannedfood drive so they can donate nonperishable food tothe food bank.

Mimi Segovia, former senior clerk at StudentHealth Services and organizer of the drive, says theevent is designed to help people who are in need offood.

“We want to help the community,” said Segovia.“We want to help them since we are in the healthbusiness.”

Gray says they are thankful for the food that isbeing donated; however this is also an opportunityfor UTPA students to receive a discount price oncertain health services provided by department,including flu shots.

“We don’t set a specific goal,” said Gray. “It’sreally an opportunity for students to get theirimmunizations at a discounted price.”

Myra Martinez, director of community affairs atthe Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, says they arepleased with the help because peak times of need areapproaching.

“When we get close to the holiday season, theclient demand increases,” said Martinez. “Morepeople are seeking food assistance.”

In addition to a discounted price onimmunizations, Segovia says they are also givingaway door prizes to people who donate food. Suchprizes include gift certificates to the UTPABookstore and several T-shirts.

Other student organizations are helping the foodbank According to Dawne Hill, coordinator for the

UTPA Bronc Life Skills Program, 85 athletes willvolunteer at the food bank this Saturday.

Hill says the Bronc Life Skills Program helps giveparticipating athletes educational experiences fortheir academic, athletic and personal growth. Onepart of this includes community service.

“We want our community to know that just asthey take interest in us when they come to our meetsand games, we are interested in helping them,” saysHill. “We want to assist them in any way possible.”

When they arrive at the food bank, Hill says theathletes will be in charge of product recovery:inspecting, cleaning and sorting out the food.Athletes will also volunteer at the food bankwarehouse where they will check inventory plusload and unload packages.

“We picked this time of year becauseThanksgiving is coming up,” said Hill. “We knowthat a lot of donations are made and so we wanted toget active in the community and help out.”

Hill added that it is very hard to coordinate all theathletes in different sports to provide communityservice at the same time. Still, this will be the biggestproject the program will work for this year. Theyhope that this is just the beginning in regard to futureassistance.

During this time of year, Martinez says they get alot of student organizations to help with the fooddrive. With the assistance, the food bank is able toraise more food for the community.

Martinez added that the food bank encouragesstudents to volunteer their time.

“We are always asking for assistance infundraisers,” said Martinez. “If anybody comes in tovolunteer, it would be a tremendous help.”

If student organizations or UTPA departments arelooking to help the Student Health Services with thefood drive, Segovia suggests they contact the bankto arrange to put a drop-off box where it is needed.

Food drive ongoingBy JENNIFER TAPIAThe Pan American

UTPA’s award-winning studentnewspaper, The Pan American,seeks enthusiastic students toreport the following:■ Campus and Education■ Science, Environment & Health■ Politics and Government■ Arts and Leisure■ Business and Technology■ PhotographyVolunteer and paid positionsare available.Reporters will gainvaluable experience tocarry over into anycareer. All majorsaccepted.

APPLY NOW AT CAS170! Or CALL (956) 381-2541.

Jointhe

team!


Mariel RoblesEngineeringSophomore

I haven’t seen any really big changes butI believe the university has a good reasonfor the increase. Besides, $2.00 is not thatmuch of a difference.

Amanda RodriguezPolitical ScienceSophomore

I really haven’t seen any changes ineducation since I’ve been here butrecently there has been manyphysical improvements.

Kevin ColemanPhysics/MathematicsJunior

No, but tuition isn’t just associatedwith curriculum. They have madeseveral physical changes on campusthough.

With the $2.00 annualincrease at UTPA, do you feel

this has led to a bettereducation?

Fernando GonzalezBiologySenior

I think it has stayed the same since I lastattended here around 12 years ago.

VOICECCaammppuuss

Ivan BarrientesFinanceJunior

No, I haven’t seen a difference sincecertain departments haven’t receivedbetter equipment.

TUITION continued from page 1

the beginning courses with theirvocabulary, communication, listening andspeaking skills, assuming literacy in thestudent’s native language as a prerequisite.The intermediate and advanced coursesconcentrates on study skills, vocabularydevelopment, and discussion techniques.

Madrigal stated that the intensiveprogram costs $1,000 per session, notincluding books. Despite the level and thecost, Ramos said that each student isexpected to come to all classes, as theattendance policy is strictly enforced.

Students attend classes approximately24 hours per week for eight weeks duringthe fall spring and summer I sessions, 30hours per week for four weeks during thesecond summer session. Upon completionof each program of study, students take a

final departmental examination andreceive a written evaluation of theirachievements.

Apart from the intensive program, ELIalso offers a semi-intensive program,which, according to Ramos, is open tostudents who are not able to devote all oftheir time to intensive study.

“The goal of the semi-intensive programis to help students improve their spokenEnglish,” Ramos said. “Students learnvocabulary and grammatical structuresthat are part of daily life in the UnitedStates, and they participate in individualand group activities which reinforce theirlearning.”

According to Madrigal, the tuition foreach course in the semi-intensive programis $300 and includes books.

services. “All of the money put together helps

pay for general expenses of the students,”Rivera said. “What we follow is Texas’law that designates the amount that willbe provided to each area of theuniversity.”

UTPA follows the Texas School LawBulletin when parceling out studentmoney. Accordingly the tuition forresident students at a general academicteaching institution for the 2000-2001academic year was $40 per semestercredit hour, in the 2001-2002 school yearit was $42 per semester hour while thisyear students pay $44 per semester hour.Eventually the cost will be $50 persemester hour in 2005.

Though that doesn’t seem like much ofan increase, freshman pre-optometrymajor Julie Casas felt that some studentscould suffer from the rise of tuition.

“I don’t think that increasing tuition isa good idea considering that many highschool graduates already don’t attendcollege due to the high cost,” Casas said.“Financial aid helps students a great dealthough, so hopefully individuals canreceive the money they need to make itthrough college.”

Rivera stated that though the tuitionwill continue to increase over the decade,the benefits the university will receivefrom it should increase, leading to moreopportunities for the students. The state isalso seeking to increase the number ofcollege students by 100,000 as part of theClosing the Gaps by 2015 program.

Despite the reasoning and the plan,many students still feel that they do notknow where exactly their money is goingto. Erica Escalon is a senior majoring inphysiology who said she would like to bea little more informed about where hertuition is going.

“I’m a bit confused about what the

money is being used for,” Escalon said.“For instance, I understand that we arepaying a Student Union fee but whatabout this idea for the shuttle buses? Ithink it’ll be a great thing if the schooldoes receive the shuttles, but are we[students] going to pay for them thoughtuition and fees?”

Freshman interdisciplinary studiesmajor Denise Camargo feels that the extrafees could be used for other purposes.

“I feel the tuition isn’t that expensive,if you are from here, [the Rio GrandeValley] however, there are several littleextra fees that I don’t think we should becharged for,” Camargo said.

Some could say that UTPA has little tocomplain about. Though tuition hasincreased 9.6 percent nationally at four-year public universities, the number ofstudents receiving financial aid has alsobeen on the rise. A recent USA Todayarticle said that a record $90 billion wasavailable to students around the nation in2001-2002.

At UTPA, the number of students whoreceive financial aid is high, and withprograms such as the University Scholarsand the Texas Grant, students now havegreater opportunities to receive money tohelp pay for their tuition.

However, the university may be part ofa new upward rate movement that most ofthe other schools in the University ofTexas system are mired in.

According to a Dallas Morning Newsreport last week, leaders of Texas’ largestuniversity systems, including theUniversity of Texas, Texas A&M and theUniversity of Houston systems, want theTexas Legislature, which convenes inJanuary, to give them the power to settuition rates, and eventually lead tohigher bills. For universities, it wouldlead a new way of gaining revenue intight economic times.

ELI continued from page 1

GOT SOMETHING TOSAY?

The Pan American wants to hear what youhave to say about stories, current events oranything you want to rant about. Send yourresponses to [email protected]

November 14, 2002 Sports Page 13

Arizona atPhiladelphia

Just when I thought Arizona was for real, theylose to Seat tle. The Eagles also got embarrassedat home, but I expect them to bounce back.

Eagles by 14Matt Celeste GregEagles Eagles Eagles

Buffalo at Kansas City

The bye week helped the Bills prepare for atough task in Arrowhead Stadium. It will be closebut Buffalo wins at the end.

Bills by 7Matt Celeste GregBills Chiefs Chiefs

Dallas atIndianapolis

The Colts put on a show in Phily-let’s see if theycan do the same at home.

Cowboys by 3Matt Celeste GregCowboys Colts Cowboys

New Orleans at Atlanta

Remember the first matchup a few weeks ago?Falcon quar terback Michael Vick won round one,I expect round two to go to Aaron Brooks.

Saints by 10Matt Celeste GregSaints Saints Saints

Washington at N.Y. Giants

Once upon a time, this was for the NFC East, butnow it’s a game to see who’s going to be .500.

Giants by 6Matt Celeste GregGiants Redskins Giants

San Francisco atSan Diego

Two teams that hope to make the Super Bowl willsquare off.

Chargers by 6Matt Celeste GregChargers Niners Chargers

Jacksonville atHouston

I will be the first to say Texan quar terback DavidCarr should win rookie-of-the year honors.

Jaguars by 14Matt Celeste Greg Texans Texans Jaguars

New England at Oakland

I know Raider fans are saying they should’vebeen in the Super Bowl if it wasn’t for the ques-tionable call in January.

Raiders by 10

Matt Celeste GregRaiders Raiders Raiders

Baltimore at Miami

The Dolphins haven't been the same since quar-terback Jay Fiedler suffered his injur y.

Dolphins by 3Matt Celeste GregDolphins Dolphins Dolphins

Cleveland at Cincinnati

Every team that plays the Bengals should have agimme, but at this time of year anything can hap-pen.

Browns by 10

Matt Celeste GregBrowns Browns Bengals

Green Bay at Minnesota

This season, everything is going Bret t Favre’sway and he is on his way to his third MVP award.

Packers by 10Matt Celeste GregPackers Packers Packers

Pittsburgh at Tennessee

Say good-bye to the Titan winning streak. Steelers by 6

Matt Celeste GregSteelers Steelers Steelers

Carolina at Tampa Bay

No team has had a tougher year than Carolina.They need to learn how to win the close games

Bucs by 10Matt Celeste Greg

Bucs Bucs Bucs

Denver at Seattle

The Broncos are arguably the best team in theAFC.

Broncos by 17Matt Celeste GregBroncos Broncos Broncos

N.Y. Jets atDetroit

The Jets are back in the playoff hunt.Jets by 10

Matt Celeste GregJets Jets Jets

Chicago at St. Louis

The Bears have lit tle chance in St. Louis.Rams by 14

Matt Celeste GregRams Rams Rams

StaffMikeGonzalez:84-59-1,.587GregSelber:79-64-

1,..552Celeste Y.Tello: 82-61-1, .573 MattLynch: 82-61-1, .573

Staff Swami Records

Mike GonzalezSports Editor

Swamis

Dr. Greg SelberAdviser

Matt LynchEditor

Celeste TelloReporter

KSOX to broad-cast coaches showFor the third consecutive year,

KSOX-AM 1240 will broadcast theUTPA men’s and women’s coach’sshow, and XERV Channel 9 (Cable21) will also broadcast the show.The men’s basketball show withhead coach Bob Hoffman will airat 11:30 a.m Friday on the radioand 10 p.m. Saturday on TV. Thewomen’s show with interim headcoach Tracy Anderson will also airon both radio and TV. The men’sshow will be hosted by SportsDirector Jeff Koch, while thewomen’s show will be hosted byKoch’s assistant, Mark Flores.

Tickets on salefor SPI Tourney

The men’s basketball program iscompeting in the inaugural SouthPadre Island RoundballInvitational Tournament at the

Convention Center Nov. 22-24.Tickets for Friday night’s andSunday afternoon’s games are onsale for just $15 for UTPA stu-dents.

The charge includes a busride toand from the game, as well as anorange Bronc T-shirt. The first busfilled will win a pizza party.

On Friday night, the Bronc’s willplay against New Mexico State andon Sunday at noon against 2002NCAA Tournament team Tulsa.

Tickets are on sale at the StudentUnion Director’s Office.

UTPA tennisschedule released

The UTPA’s men’s and women’stennis schedule was released fornext spring. The men’s team willhost six tournaments includingdates with TAMU-Corpus ChristiFeb. 16, and University of Texas-San Antonio April 12. Thewomen’s team starts its seasonwith four tournaments on the road.

SPORTS CLIPBOARD


The University of Texas-Pan American hasexpanded in so many ways that regional andnational exposure for the campus have becomemore important. The school’s enrollmentreached past 14,000 this semester, and thenumber of awards, grants, and programs it hasengaged in are also at a record high number.Keeping that momentum going means gettingthe word out that UTPA is a major player forthe 21st century.

Two new staff members at the university areworking on making the dreams of nationalexposure come true.

Chelse Benham and Lynda Lopez are thelatest additions to the UTPA Office ofUniversity Relations staff. which is responsiblefor churning out publicity messages, amongother things. Benham joined the staff Oct. 1 asradio/television production supervisor.

“I am in charge of overseeing media for theuniversity either regionally or nationally to getas much exposure as possible,” Benham said.

She handles public service announcements,The UTPA Today show which airs on Edinburgcable channel 12, short format documentaries,promotions and anything television-related thatwill promote the university.

Benham is originally from Austin and is agraduate of the University of Texas-Austinwhere she received a bachelor’s degree inradio/television production. She has 10 years ofprofessional experience.

“I am from Austin and I moved down for myhusband because he is a faculty member atUTPA,” Benham said.

Prior to coming to the Rio Grande Valley,Benham owned a television productioncompany for three years and was scriptsupervisor on HGTV’s “Carol Duvall show.”

Benham later became post-productionsupervisor for an A&E production “America’sCastles,” and was associate producer for“November Warriors,” a History Channelproduction.

Benham has won numerous awards,including an Emmy for the production of“Celebrating Knoxville,” a quarterly showabout that Tennessee city’s hot spots.

“I’ve been very fortunate and have won a lot,but the Emmy is the most recognized award,”Benham said.

Because the university is close to the U.S.-Mexico border Benham would like to producean informative program dealing with theHispanic population.

“The Hispanic population is growing but isstill very meek in this area and other towns onthe border of Mexico,” she said. “I would dealwith the demographic that is still considered a

minority although it will not be in a very shortperiod of time.”

Benham advises any student heading in thedirection of television production to learn to editwell, learn the whole process of TV productionand always strive to improve.

“My favorite saying is ‘Soar with the eagles,don’t walk with turkeys,’” Benham said.“Always surround yourself with the best.”

The other new member of the relations grouphas an equally compelling resume and story.Lynda Lopez joined the UTPA staff Oct. 1 asPublic Relations Specialist II

“I handle the media, do public relations workand I cover events on campus, write articles andtry to solicit publicity for the university,” Lopezsaid.

Lopez, originally from Los Fresnos, is agraduate of Southwest Texas State Universitywhere she received an undergraduate degree injournalism with a broadcast concentration.

Lopez was a journalist in Washington, D.C.for 12 years, but came back to the Valley toraise her children.

“It’s been a tough adjustment and I truly missthe big city, but I came home to have myfamily’s support,” she said.

Lopez has been a public relationsrepresentative for three years, but has abackground in journalism that spans more than18 years. This latest stretch has truncated herwork record.

“I’ve been in the Valley for three years and Itook some time off to spend with my children,”she said. “I did some public relations work forSunrise Mall In Brownsville and alsofreelanced,”

Lopez’ first job was as a news reporter forthe Brownsville Herald, and her first televisionjob was in Austin at KTBC. She was a newsanchor for the Valley’s Channel 4 in the early‘80s.

Like her new coworker, Lopez has receivednumerous awards, including a 1992 Emmy inthe hard news category. Also like Benham, oneof her primary goals is to get national coveragefor UTPA.

“We’re doing some really great things thatmerit national attention, such as groundbreakingworks like HESTEC,” Lopez said.

According to Lopez the whole goal is tothink big and think out of the box.

She also feels that national attention is muchdeserved because UTPA can offer manystudents wonderful things that other universitiescan’t.

“When I was in D.C. I was surrounded byuniversities because I lived near Georgetownand it’s interesting to come home and see whatthis university has done,” Lopez said. “I’m veryimpressed with the campus and the city ofEdinburg. I like the city, the energy and theambiance here.”

New employeesbolster relations

By NIKKI RAMIREZThe Pan American

It looks like the international collegecrowd might be on the rise, thanks to anewly passed law.

The U.S. Immigration and NaturalizationService announced the approval of TheBorder Commuter Students Act (BCS Act)that would let foreign students attendborder schools on a part-time basis.

Previously, it had to be full-time ornothing for students crossing the border totake an American education. The BCS Actwould apply to schools that are within 75miles of the U.S. border and would bebeneficial to Mexican or Canadian studentswho regularly commute across a landborder by obtaining an F-1 visa. However,this would not apply to commuter studentswho live in the States during the week andtravel to Mexico during the weekends.

According to PhillipClay, InternationalStudent Advisor at TheUniversity of TexasPan American, UTPAonly has five part-timestudents, which isabout 1.5 percent ofthe internationalstudents here. Thereason is becauseheretofore it has beenillegal for foreignstudents to study part-time here.

“Before the Act waspassed, it was illegalto enroll as aninternational student on a part-time basis,”Clay said. “In my two years in theuniversity we have always told anyonedesiring to study part-time that it was notlegal and advised them against it.”

Clay added that UTPA could not denyadmission to those who wished to studypart-time because every student is entitledthe right to get an education regardless ofrace, creed, or color.

Karla Saavedra, an accounting major anda Mexican foreign student, says that eventhough the BCS Act will be beneficial toforeign students, obtaining the visa, fillingout the paperwork and meeting all therequirements is still very time consuming.

“It was a lot of work and it tookapproximately two months to get

everything together,” Saavedra said. “Youhave to go to admissions to get theapplication, make sure you have met all therequirements, go to the American consulateat Matamoros to get the visa, and pay at theborder for the immigration stamp so youcan cross over.”

Saavedra added that among the regularentrance exams, the foreign applicants haveto take and pass the Test of English as aForeign Language exam (TOEFL) exam asa requirement. Once everything is turnedin, UTPA gives the authorization to theforeign applicant to obtain the necessaryvisa.

Clay said that there several visas that aforeign student can obtain but the one for apart-time foreign student is the F-1 visa.The regulations required of the holder ofthis visa carry various penalties if violated.

“The new system is much stricter and notforgiving,” Clay said. “I fear that somestudents who currently seek to followregulations only when it is convenient for

them and have foundthat we can do somethings to get themback in status willquickly findthemselves out of theuniversity and backhome in Mexico ifthey don’t take INSregulations seriously.”

Clay acknowledgedthat two years ago,the law was notenforced strictly andUTPA had about 30part-time foreignstudents.

Luis Garcia, journalism major and aforeign student, said that he is optimisticabout the BCS Act.

“It will be more convenient for thepeople who travel from Mexico becausethey are not able to come every daybecause of work,” Garcia said. “I had afriend who just wanted to attend the ELIto take the English classes and could notbecause it would be part-time.”

Saavedra said that many people fromMexico do have full-time jobs as a priorityand cannot attend UTPA full-time, thuswould not apply because of the rule.

“I have a friend who would not even trybecause the opportunities were verylimited,” she said. “He was just waitingfor something like this.”

New law benefitsforeign students

By HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American

Preparations are under way for the annualGlobal Week cultural celebration, which willtake place Nov. 18-24, with the continents ofAsia and Europe to be featured.

The Center for International Programs is setto present the latest Global Week under theleadership of Dr. Gilbert Cardenas, and thisyear's program is the most extensive yet.Festivities get started Monday, Nov. 18 with

remarks from the university president andprovost, and the highlight, among many, will bespeaking appearances from a series of consulsfrom Korea, Japan and China, scheduled forWednesday, Nov. 20.

There are close to 20 panel discussionsscheduled, on topics ranging from "Leadershipand Religion in the Middle East" to "GlobalWarming in the 21st Century."

A number of university professors, plusseveral community business people, will be on

hand to take part in discussions of political,economic, philosophical, and environmentalinterest.

The academic planning committee headed byCardenas has been working on the panels andconsul appearances most of the semester, andCardenas said that this year's list of panelspromises to offer a variety of topics forstudents, faculty and staff, and Valley citizens.

For example, Dr. Mauricio Cervantes ofITESM Guadalajara will speak on "Mexico and

Europe" to start the panels, at 5:45 p.m.Monday. Dr. Sonia Alianak will moderate apanel on "The Changing Roles of Women inAsia" on Tuesday at 2:35 p.m. Wednesday ismainly taken up with speeches by the variousconsuls, while Dr. Ramiro Rea is set tomoderate a session on "Doing Business onEurope" that afternoon.

There will also be events featuring poetry,food, and fashion from various countries duringthe week.

THE PAN AMERICAN

Asian consuls highlighting Global Week

In my two years inthe university wehave always toldanyone desiring tostudy part-time thatit was not legal andadvised themagainst it

““

- Phillip Clay,International Student Adviser

Previously denied, international part-timers can nowattend American schools

Riding a nine-game winningstreak, the Lady Bronc volleyballteam was so used to winning, itforgot what losing was like.

But with recent losses to TexasA&M-Corpus Christi(TAMUCC) and New MexicoState, the Lady Broncs rest below.500 again with a 13-14 record.This weekend, the Lady Broncstravel to Corpus Christi tocompete in the IndependentTournament.

The competition will consist offour teams, including Centenary,Indiana-Purdue (Ft. Wayne) andTexas A&M-Corpus Christi.

The Centenary Ladies havestruggled this season and enterthe tournament with a 11-26record including a 3-7 record atneutral sites. The Ladies average11.6 kills, 15.9 blocks and 10.2assists a contest and are led byKelley Heckman and CateyBatte.

Heckman averages 2.77 killsand 3.72 digs a game, whileBatte contributes with 2.34assists and 2.53 digs a contest.

Indiana-Purdue also comes toCorpus Christi with a losingrecord of 12-18.

The Lady Mastodons wereswept in their last contest againstWisconsin-Green Bay 30-20, 30-28 and 30-26.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is no stranger toUTPA, and It will be the thirdtime the two will play thisseason, each team splitting thefirst two games at each otherscourt. UTPA won the first matchOct. 8, while A&M-Corpus

Christi snapped the Lady Broncwinning streak last Friday,escaping in five games 30-28, 30-27, 20-30, 24-30 and 15-10 at theFieldhouse.

Junior outside hitter WinkerCruz led the Lady Broncs with17 kills and 12 digs, whilesophomore outside hitter CathiNetemeyer added 15 kills and 16digs.

The Lady Islanders are led byLauren Smith, who averages 3.03kills a game and ErinMcClanhan, who has tossed1,001 assists this season.

UTPA head coach Dave Thornbelieves his team will bounceback from its two-game skid.

“I expect hard foughtmatches,” Thorn said. “We needto be aggressive in order to win.We cannot take them [teams]lightly.”

Junior middle blocker JaclynMuszynski knows her team hasthe capability to win every gamethis weekend and is lookingforward to the rematch againstTAMUCC.

“We’re looking for revengeagainst Corpus [Christi],”Muszynski said. “We’re nottaking this weekend lightly andwe have a lot to look forward to.”

For seniors Cynthia Kasperand Jessica Lawson, Monday wasthe last home game in a LadyBronc uniform. The duo had achance to bid the home crowdfarewell an a winning note, butUTPA was swept by the NewMexico State Aggies 30-23, 30-18 and 30-24.

Muszynski led the way forUTPA with 12 kills and sevendigs, while Cruz wasn’t farbehind with 11 kills and five

digs. Thorn admitted the Lady

Aggies were too much for theyouthful Lady Bronc team.

“We lost to a better team,”Thorn said. “We made moremistakes than I would’ve liked.That’s what happens when youhave a young team.”

The Lady Aggies outshot theLady Broncs .339-.097 andoutblocked UTPA 10-4.

“They [Lady Aggies] madegood defensive plays,” Thornsaid.

The Lady Broncs had theirhands full with middle hitterTrinia Cuseo who blasted 16 killsand 34 attacks.

Outside hitter Stevi Adamsalso gave UTPA problems bytossing 28 attacks and 10 digs.Although the Lady Broncs areonce again under .500, Thorn isoptimistic his team will regroupfor this weekend’s tournament.

“It’s important for us to getback to .500,” Thorn said.

The Lady Broncs lost to Texas Women’sUniversity 50-47 in their only preseasonexhibition game Sunday afternoon. Theyled by one point going into the second half,but came up four points short of a win.

For new head coach Tracy Anderson andthe Lady Broncs, the game was a firstopportunity to see if their preseason routinewas adding up to the kind of game theywant to play this season.

“I was very happy with our effort,”Anderson said. "Part of [the reason wecame up short] was our confidence in atight game.”

The Lady Broncs held a 16-10 lead 17minutes into the first half, and a one-pointlead with 1:27 left in the second half. Thenthey committed three personal fouls which

lead to four TWU points gained at the free-throw line - and the Lady Broncs failed toconvert on any last-second possessions.

Naima Williams picked up the first of thethree fouls, on Tiesha Wady, who led TWUwith 14 points. Wady picked up her lastpoint on at the line, tying the game at 47-47with 1:11 left.

The game-winner was picked up bySonya Hodge 25 seconds later on her trip tothe line after being fouled by forwardMichelle Smith. It was Smith’s fifth foul,removing her from the game.

TWU’s lead was solidified when NaimaWilliams picked up her third foul of thegame trying to smother a lay up drive byKeshung Irving. Irving, who had been onefor five from the line, made both attempts,forcing the home team into a three-pointhole where a three-pointer was needed.

Unfortunately the Broncs’ best perimeter

shooter, senior Alex Gravel, missed thegame with a reoccurring stress fracture inher right foot and will not return until theLady Broncs’ Nov. 30 match-up againstTulsa. Freshman StacyGooden was alsounable to play due toinjury.

Jennifer Piwonkahad an opportunity tolessen TWU’s leadwith seconds left onthe clock, but failed tocomplete a deep two-point shot.

Williams led theLady Broncs with 20points, 13 in thesecond half, and alsorecovered 10 rebounds- giving her the onlydouble-double of the day.

Unfortunately low first-half shootingpercentages kept the Lady Broncs from

pulling away from TWU early in the game,and limited shot opportunities held theteams at a neck-and-neck pace throughoutthe game.

One of thefunctions ofpreseason exhibitiongames is to indicateto coaches whatimprovements needto be made, but inclose games everymistake becomes avariable.

“I was verydisappointed withhow we did from thethree-point line,” saidAnderson. “We’llalso have to focus onour turnovers.”

The Lady Broncs regular season willbegin Nov. 25 at home against Texas-Arlington.


Bright spots and weak spots against TWU, Gravelexpected back in a matter of weeks

Lady Broncs lose close contest in opener

WHO: UTPA vol-leyball team

WHAT: The LadyBroncs close outtheir season withthe IndependentTournamentSaturday, Nov.16.


BUMP!: Jessica Lawson works on defense at a recent Lady Broncs’ practice.

Junior transfer Chris Fagan, whowas instrumental in the 15-pointrun, will sit out the Houston Questgame with a stress fracture. Butjunior transfer Prince Thompson,who missed the Tech game due toinjury, will return to the lineup toprovide the Broncs with speed andagility.

The Houston Quest game thisweekend will be the Broncs’ lastpractice run before they beginregular season play in lateNovember. The Broncs arescheduled to appear in a three-teamtournament with Tulsa and NewMexico State at South Padre Islandbeginning Nov. 22.

HOOPS continued from page 16


Volleyballers drop below.500, head to Corpus Christi

By MIKE GONZALEZThe Pan American

As season slowly closes, Lady Broncs look to regain winningways in four-team matchup

I was verydisappointedwith how we didfrom the three-point line “

“

- Tracy Anderson, basketball coach

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

http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican51th Year – No. 12

EditorMatt Lynch

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Ashley Brooks

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Reporters

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Advertising

Dagoberto Perez

Circulation

Jesus M. Gonzalez

Advertising Coordinator

Juanita Sanchez

Adviser

Dr. Greg Selber

the PAN AMERICAN is theofficial studentnewspaper of TheUniversity ofTexas-PanAmerican. Views presentedare those of thewriters and do notnecessarily reflectthose of theuniversity.

The Pan Americangladly acceptsletters fromstudents, staff andfaculty regardingnewspaper contentor current issues.The Pan Americanreserves the rightto edit submissionsfor grammar andlength. Please limitsubmission lengthto 300 words. ThePan Americancannot publishanonymous letters,or submissionscontaining hatespeech orgratuitouspersonal attacks.Letters are printedat the discretion ofthe editor andmust include thewriter’s name,class/title andphone number.

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November 142 0 0 2

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Celebrating 50 years

A & E EditorAshley Brooks

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NEWS■ Global Week . . . . . 3■ Int’l Students . . . . . . 3 ■ Service Fair . . . . . . 12

By Fall 2003, the Universityof Texas-Pan American plans tostart a nursing doctoralprogram for area nurses whoplan to continue theireducation.

“Surveys showed there is aninterest in the program,” saidDr. Beverly Robinson,associate dean for the graduatenursing program at TheUniversity of Texas HealthScience Center in San Antonio.“The reason is because studentsdo not want to leave SouthTexas.”

Robinson has made severaltrips to the Valley to speak toadministrators about the issuebut claims that the paperworkis not completely finalized. Shesaid that the paperwork partconcerns the approval of theTexas Higher Education Board.

“There needs to be a memoof understanding signed,” shesaid.

Once all the paperwork hasgone through and all theapprovals are made, UTPAwould be a campus site for thedoctoral program, just likeTexas A&M-Corpus Christi.

The classes would be held

via video teleconference andUTPA would provide electivecourses. Some of the TexasA&M. faculty would handle thedissertations. One of theconditions with UTPA is thatthere needs to be at least fourqualified students to run theprogram and for South TexasInteractive to provide funding.

“There is interest but is theregreat enough demand,” said Dr.William J. Mcintyre, assistantdean of the College of HealthSciences & Human ServicesCenter at UTPA. “They[UTHSCSA] have sentinformation and have donesome recruiting for theprogram.”

Robinson has come down acouple of times for recruitment.The first time she came therewere 17 people interested andwilling to apply; the secondtime there was 23. Mcintyrestated the program would havemany advantages for theuniversity and for the studentswho apply.

“The program would allowthe faculty the chance tocollaborate with the otherfaculty of UTHSCSA,” saidMcintyre. “And the studentswould not have to travel toother universities like

UTHSCSA and A&M inCorpus Christi.”

Mcintyre also added thatmost Valley nurses have jobsand families, and do not wantto relocate.

Shannon Dowdall, assistantprofessor of the College ofHealth Sciences and HumanServices Center at UTPA, is inthe nursing doctoral program atA&M-Corpus Christi. She isbeginning her nursingdissertation and said that if theprogram were offered at UTPAshe would not have needed totravel to Corpus Christi everyweek to attend her doctoralclasses.

“It takes about two years ofcourse work and I drove toCorpus Christi every Tuesdayand came back everyWednesday,” she said.

Dowdall said she wouldleave at 5:30 on Tuesdaymornings with a best friendwho was also in the program,to arrive on time for her 8 a.m.class. She would then rent ahotel room to spend the nightand go to school the next dayuntil 4 p.m. Her weekly routinewould end when she and herfriend would head back for theValley.

“This would add to the stress

because it was very expensive,”Dowdall said. “Lucky, my bestfriend and I would take turns indriving every week.”

Dowdall added that she wasalso very lucky that she and herfriend did not have children.She said that so many otherstudents did, and could not staythe night. She believes theprogram would make things alot easier for Valley students.She says that they will havesupport from UTPA for theirdissertations and have betterconnections with UTHSCSA.They would also not have topay library fees for CorpusChristi and for UTHSCSA’stuition.

“It is like you are payingdouble,” she said about thecurrent situation.

The estimated cost of tuitionfor the program would be$7,200 for three years if astudent does not attend part-time. If everything is finalized,enrollment for the programshould begin in February.

“It is a great, fabulous andwonderful opportunity foranyone out in the Valley,”Dowdall said. “You just have tobe very persistent to enter theprogram and need to reallywant it.”

Nursing doctorate soonBy HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American

Environmental club formedThe University of Texas-Pan

American EnvironmentalAwareness Club is a neworganization that wants to helpstudents create and raiseconsciousness about environmentalproblems in their community.

President and creator of the clubKelly Hobbs said, “We just startedit this semester [and we are] tryingto get members to start educatingthemselves and taking thatinformation to other students in thecommunity.”

Hobbs, a junior biology major,founded the club as part of aproject she had to do for herenvironmental biology class withprofessor Kathryn Dodd.

Dodd became the faculty adviserfor the Environmental Clubbecause she supports what the clubrepresents, and feels that thestudents can show their potentialpower to make a positivedifference.

“I strongly support Kelly andthis club, and I am honored toserve as the faculty adviser,” Doddsaid.

The first club meeting was held

Nov. 7 with the participation of aguest speaker, environmentalistCarmen Pedraza-Silva, who spoketo encourage students to help theircommunity with environmentalissues.

Pedraza-Silva said she was thereto provide some ideas tothe students includingwhere to focus their effortson starting the club, andhow to have solutions toenvironmental problems.

“I think the beginningof this club is wonderfulfor the community, theValley needs it,” Pedraza-Silva said. This area is richwith biodiversity,including several hundredspecies of butterfly, aburgeoning birdingindustry, and protectedwetlands around theLaguna Atascosa shoreline.

In its short existence the clubalready has people asking for helpto spread knowledge and solutionsfor various communityenvironmental problems. Hobbsstated that the Edinburg Recycling

Center is having them pass outfliers and help with EdinburgRecycling Day taking place Nov.16.

Several students at the meetingsaid they heard of theEnvironmental Awareness Club

from friends and classmates. Josh Lomas, a freshman, said

that he took interest in the clubbecause he wanted to protect theenvironment and learn ways hecould help out.

“I had friends who told me in

class, and I wanted to come to seewhat it was all about,” Lomas said.

Club Vice President NoelEscobar said that the group couldhelp students spread theirknowledge on how to help theenvironment. He stated that somepeople feel the problems seem toofar away from them and if theydon’t get involved, it won’t matter.

“Some might say I will be deadby the time something happens,but it really does affecteverybody,” Escobar mentioned.“It might even affect us in ways wejust don’t see.”

Such a potential problem, globalwarming, will be debated byprofessors and scientific expertsduring the Global Weekcelebration on campus the week ofNov. 18-24.

According to Dodd, the club canbe a great benefit to UTPA studentsbecause of the educational value,and the opportunities it willprovide for student members totake an active role in molding theirown futures.

For more information on how tobe a part of the EnvironmentalAwareness Club, contact KathrynDodd by phone at (956) 381-2229or through e-mail [email protected].

By ARIANNA VAZQUEZThe Pan American

New group will focus on raisingawareness in community

I think thebeginning of thisclub is wonderful

for thecommunity, theValley needs it

“

“

- CarmenPedraza-Silva,Environmentalist

As the cross country season winds down,the teams will compete in some of the mostvital races of the year.

The UTPA cross country teams will travelto Waco on Nov. 11 to compete in theNCAA Regional Championship.

Head coach Doug Molnar said that thismeet represents the pinnacle of the season’sefforts in practice and in meets.

“This is the one meet we’ve beenworking towards all year,” he said. “We’relooking for everyone to have a personalbest, not only of the season but of theirlife.”

Molnar believes that with an attitude forabsolute success, the team should do wellenough to set their own personal records.

“That’s really the kind of attitude that wehave to have going into that meet if wewant to accomplish all our goals for thisseason,” Molnar said.

The men’s team is expected to competewell under the leadership of sophomorerunner Westly Keating. Molnar said thatKeating’s chances of success were pretty

high.“Individually on the men’s team we’re

looking for Westly to lead the way,” he said.“He really does have a chance to be NCAAqualifier.”

Molnar said becoming a NCAA qualifieris a very real possibility for Keating if heruns a smart race.

“He’s going to have to get up into thepack early and be there when it comes downto the end,” he said. “The way he’s trainingright now, that shouldn’t be a problem forhim.”

Expectations are high on Keating’sperformance and the competition isexpected to be highly challenging, butMolnar believes that Keating has a shot atwinning the race.

“I really think that Westly, he’s ready togo, he has the potential to win the race,” hesaid. “He’s going to have to be on, there’ssome great guys from Arkansas, some greatguys from Texas.”

Molnar said Keating would have his workcut out for him considering some ofArkansas’ recent accomplishments.

“Arkansas finished third in the NCAAmeet last year and won the FCC

Championship two weeks ago,” he said.“He’s going to have his hands full, but he’sready... that goes for all our guys.”

Considering that 25 teams are expected tobe represented at the meet, the team took tothe practice fields with time trials to ensurepreparedness.

Molnar said that the time trialsdemonstrated progress with an astoundingnumber of runners setting their personalrecord for a three-mile run.

“We had a lot of guys PR (personalrecord) on a three-mile time trial on thetrack,” Molnar said. “We don’t have to doanything special, really, when we get upthere, all we have to do is what we’ve beendoing every day in practice.”

Despite the efforts as a complete team,the Broncs will only be allowed to takeseven runners from both the men’s andwomen’s teams.

“In our region there is approximately 25teams, not all those may send entire teams,”Molnar said. “This week we’re limited toseven runners, only the top seven runnerswill be able to compete.”

The UTPA men’s cross country team willbe represented by Keating, Hugo Cervantes,

Americo Ortiz, Randy Salazar, MannyLopez and Frankie Gutierrez.

Roosevelt Campbell,David Ramirez andAaron Castro are still vying for the seventhspot on the men’s team. For Campbell, it’shis last opportunity to place in a collegiatemeet. He’s been with UTPA since 1999 andwas recruited from Mission.

Patty Villarreal, Claudia Rosas, EricaHernandez, Deanah Chavez, MargeauxMcCarthy, Dannely Flores and ErikaRodriguez will be representing the women’steam.

The women’s team has its own goals forthe upcoming meet.

Despite the unfavorable conditions at thelast meet, the women did well and arelooking to further their progress at theregional meet.

“On the women’s side, I was reallyimpressed. Only six women ran last timeand all six had a personal best,” Molnarsaid. “Our goal is to go through 5,000meters faster than what we did last week.”

After the NCAA Regional Championship,if the team qualifies, it will advance to theNCAA Championships in Terre Haute,Indiana on Nov. 25.

Many athletes describe a passion ordesire for their sport, Deanah Chavezlives the passion and the desire when sheruns.

Chavez is a freshmen and a member ofthe UTPA women’s cross country teamand a former runner for Edinburg HighSchool.

Even though she is a local athlete, shedoes not allow it to force her into anobligatory relationship with thehometown fans. Chavez said that shedecided to run at UTPA because theyprovided her with the best opportunity.

“I tried to see where my bestopportunity was, Pan Am gave me a goodopportunity with my scholarship and a[chance] to run,” Chavez said. “That’s allI wanted to do, that’s all I worked for inhigh school.”

Chavez enjoys the conveniences ofbeing in her hometown, but is alsodisappointed by the community’stendency to put off Bronc athletics asmediocre.

“It’s good to stay home, I get to visitmy family,” she said. “The program isreally good, it kind of sucks that peopledon’t look at Pan Am as a strong school,but we’re getting there... we’re diamondsin the rough.”

Cross country Coach Doug Molnarsaid plenty about Chavez’s contributionsto the team and about her progress in herfirst year as a collegiate athlete.

In fact, her development as an athleteinitially left Molnar at a loss for words.The silence did not last long, as Chavezhas demonstrated strong characterthroughout the season.

“There’s so much I can say aboutDeanah, I don’t know where to start,”Molnar said. “She is just an all aroundgreat person, she is an absolute joy tocoach.”

Chavez is one of those athletes thatevery coach looks forward to having onboard throughout the season.

“She does everything you ask of herand then some,” Molnar said. “She doessome things that you can’t coach, thethings that are really going to make herbetter as the years go on.”

Some of the abstract strengths that shepossesses run far deeper than any coachcould ever imagine instilling in anathlete.

“She has great heart, she puts all hereffort into it when she’s out here and shehas desire,” Molnar said. “When you addthose two things together, you’re going tocome up with a pretty good distancerunner.”

Chavez’s strengths go beyond runningMolnar also described her as anexemplary student.

“She’s a solid student and a great all-around individual,” he said.

Chavez is among very youngteammates, most of the women’s team iscomprised of freshmen. According toMolnar this makes the season mostly alearning process for the team.

“It’s really been a learning process forthe women’s team because we’re soyoung and we have so many freshmen,”he said.

Chavez looks at her freshmen year asan impelling chapter in her career as arunner.

“My first year has been pretty excitingthere’s a lot of new things that I’mgetting used to,” she said.

The biggest adjustment for freshmenrunners is the increase in mileage duringmeets and in training.

“They run two miles in high schooland all of a sudden you’re adding a thirdmore onto the race, up to three miles,”Molnar said. “Even when we run 6K itsalmost four miles that’s almost doublingthe race... that makes it really tough andthat’s all been a learning process forthem.”

Chavez admitted that the traininginitially required some adjustments.

“Workouts are a big difference fromhigh school to now,” she said. “It’s moreintense but I like it because I can see theimprovement.”

Change went beyond the workouts forChavez. She also had to face adjustmentsin the classroom and learn to juggle herdual schedules.

“The toughest thing is managing mytime,” she said. “It’s hard trying to stayawake in class because of practices in themorning and afternoon, and then we havetests and homework to get through.”

She expects to be able to flow moresmoothly into her hectic schedule as theyears progress.

“The first semester is a big shock, butI’m sure next semester will be easier,”Chavez said.

She is expected to be a strongcontributing force to the team as shematures as an athlete. Despite her youth,Chavez is already making strongcontributions to the women’s team inmeets and as a leader.

“She’s already taking on a leadershiprole at times, for a freshmen to come inand do that is pretty tough to do,” Molnarsaid. “So as the years go on she’ll be abigger and bigger part of this program.”


Freshman runner has contributed all semester

Youthful Chavez quick toadjust to college athleticsBy CELESTE Y. TELLOThe Pan American


JOGGIN’: Freshman Deanah Chavez heads out for a run.

Runners reaching moment of truth in RegionalsAs usual, Keating leads the favorites

By CELESTE Y. TELLOThe Pan American

University of Texas-PanAmerican students might wantto watch their wallets over thenext few years. The tuition ratehere is relatively lower thanother public universities aroundTexas, but that might soonchange.

Currently the total tuition andfee for students enrolled in 15

hours at UTPA is $1,359.48 forTexas residents. However, dueto inflation and new state law,the tuition will be increased bytwo dollars every year till Jan1, 2008.

Francis Rivera of theUniversity Budget Office statedthat the tuition students pay isused for a number of things,including fees concerningstudent services, librarytechnology and medical

THURSDAYNovember 14, 2002

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

CCaammppuussVOICEWith the $2.00

annualincrease at

UTPA, do youfeel this has

led to a bettereducation?

NATION

■ GARZA NAMEDAS AMBASSADORThe U.S. Senateconfirmed 43-year-oldTony Garza, aBrownsville native, tobe the newambassador to Mexico.Garza will be replacingJeffrey Davidow, whowas ambassador forfour years.Garza was the firstHispanic Republican inCameron Count y toget elected to astatewide office andadvocates foreignersworking in the U.S.gaining legal status. Garza was thesecretar y of stateunder then-Gov.George W. Bush and in1998 took over ashead of the StateRailroad Commission.

LOCAL

■ NURSING HOME NAME SUGGESTED

Freddy Gonzalez,an Edinburg nativeand Vietnam war hero,could be thenamesake for a futureValley VeteransNursing Home.

State Rep.-electAaron Pena andGonzalez’s mother,Dolia Gonzalez, madea publicannouncement aboutthe proposal thisweek.

Sgt. Gonzalez waskilled in action Feb. 4,1968 in Hue Cit yduring the TetOffensive. He wasserving as platoonleader and died at theage of 21.

Gabriel O, Hernandez/The Pan American

CROONIN’— Country singer Zane Williams performs at the Student UnionFood Court Wednesday night. The Muggers committee of the UniversityProgram Board sponsors weekly coffeehouse events for students on campusto get together for entertainment and refreshments.

Rising costsraise concern

Institute facilitates language learning There are an immense number of

cultures, religions, and languages inthe United States that makeeveryone different. But one of thethings that has the potential to uniteall these diverse people together isthe English language.

Recognizing this, the Universityof Texas-Pan American has helpednon-native English speakers, both inthe community and on campus, byoffering noncredit intensive andsemi-intensive programs throughthe formal establishment of theEnglish Language Institute (ELI)since 1982.

“[ELI] prepares students to enteran academic program withacademically oriented English,

assists professionals and businesspeople in career-oriented English,and offers all students theopportunity to learn functional useof the English language,” saiddirector Norma Ramos. “The ELIencourages anyone who wishes tolearn English in a serious yetfriendly atmosphere to apply.”

Vivian Madrigal, ELIadministrative coordinator, said thatwhile some of the non-nativespeakers come from overseas, themajority of these students are fromneighboring Mexico. According tothe ELI literature, a positiveenvironment is visible at bothlocations: on the UTPA campus andat the Hidalgo Education Center.There are admission requirementsfor both locations.

“Admission to the Institute’s

intensive programs is open tostudents who can devote their fulltime to learning English,” Ramossaid. “During the regular academicyear and Summer I session, studentsmust be 17 years of age or olderand have completed high school orequivalent. The Summer II sessionis open to students eight years ofage and older. They must havecompleted high school or equivalent[with] an application for admissionssubmitted three weeks before theprogram starting date.”

Ramos also stated that admissionto the institute does not guaranteeadmission to UTPA. However,according to the institute’s web site,ELI students do have access tocampus facilities and activitiesincluding the cafeteria, library,swimming pool, parties, dramas,

etc.It might not offer automatic entry

to UTPA, but the ELI has excellentprofessors also.

“The instructors have advanceddegrees and many years of Englishteaching experience both in theUnited States and abroad,”Ramos”said “They provide thehighest quality of instruction in afriendly, pleasant atmosphere.”

According to the web site, thesetrained instructors determinestudent degrees of proficiencythrough an English Placement Test,and place students into appropriateslevels, of which there are three:beginning, intermediate, oradvanced level.

Ramos said that the institute’sintensive program helps students in

See ELI page 4

By SUNAYNA MAHTANIThe Pan American

UT Arlington: $2,061.70

UT Austin: $2,452

UT Brownsville: $1,302.78

UT Dallas: $2,387.40

UT El Paso: $1,695

UTPA: $1,359.48

UT Permian Basin: $1,200

UT San Antonio: $1,320

UT Tyler: $1,591

Texas Tuition

Source: UT System/Graphic: Gabriel O. Hernandez

For 15 semester credit hours

See TUITION page 4

By CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American

“Two dollars!!!!!”

The UTPA Broncs will resume their preseason exhibition schedule Sundayagainst Houston Quest in the Fieldhouse, and are expecting the game to beanother great practice run for the 2002-2003 season.

The Broncs, who dissected the Monterrey Tech Borregos 93-59 in theirfirst preseason exhibition game last Saturday night, are heavily favored

against the Quest for the 3 p.m. gameUTPA was favored to win big against Monterrey Tech and pummeled

the Borregos. But the exhibition game, which was expected to be lighton competition and rich in Bronc offensive dominance, was anythingbut one-sided. The Broncs trailed early in the first half and had to relyon their bench to close the gap and recapture the lead later in thegame.

“I’d have to say that I give our effort [against Monterrey] an A andour execution a B-minus,“ said head coach Bob Hoffman.

Last season the Broncs destroyed Houston Quest 99-51 in asimilar preseason exhibition game. And as long as there are nomore symptoms of the preseason jitters displayed in the first halfof the Monterrey Tech game there shouldn’t be any inkling of anupset.

“The problem with the first half [against Monterey] was justnervousness,” said sophomore guard Eric Montalvo, of La Joya.

Montalvo, who opened up the offense for the Broncs andfinished the game with 22 points and seven rebounds, led theteam to their 34-point victory. Junior transfer Allen Holcombhad a pivotal four-point play in the first half to give the Broncstheir first unchallenged lead, while senior guard KevinMitchell hit four three point attempts, also had good games.

It was Montalvo’s best career game for the Broncs, and hisperformance definitely helped them recapture the momentumduring the contest.

“Coach told me, ‘You’re a shooter, so shoot,’” saidMontalvo. “Luckily I hit most of my shots.”

Holcomb’s play came in the middle of a 6-0 rally by theBroncs, giving UTPA a 31-26 lead 11 minutes into the game.The lead was further strengthened by a 15-0 bludgeoning

deep in the first half, which was finally silenced by aFernando Tirado three-pointer. The Broncs finished the first

half ahead 54-37.The Broncs’ early performance was epitomized by ashaky offense steadied only by 33 Borrego turnovers,

but on the plus side, Bronc omnipresence in thepaint led to 22 offensive rebounds.

Defensively the Broncs forced several turnoversbut allowed the Borregos to shoot a blistering 63percent from the field in the first half.

The inconsistency of the Broncs’ offense,complete with several near-turn-over possessionskirmishes, became less apparent as the first half

continued. Several creative substitutions byHoffman added chemistry which congealed the

loose-ended Broncs.The second half was a more conservative display,

with the Broncs finding their defensive rhythm, forcingthe Borregos into several pressure shot situations, cutting their

three-point shot percentage from 80 to 20 percent and their total field goalshooting percentage in half.

We’re so banged up right now, we haven’t even figured out whose going toplay what positions,” said Hoffman. “[Against Monterrey Tech] we only hadeleven guys suited up to play. All of the guys stepped up and did what theyhad to do. But the configuration of the players will probably differ.”

■ Chavez Feature . . . . . .15

■ Women’s hoops . . . . . .14

■ Staff’s swami picks . . . 13

PAGE 16

SPORTS

BREAKING THE LAW:Two assistant coach-es from theUniversity of Miamiof Ohio were sus-pended by the univer-sity Wednesday.Defensive coordinatorJon Wauford wascharged with batteryafter shoving RobertFlaugher, 36, aMarshall fan whowas one of hundredsrunning into the fieldafter Marshall’s lastsecond win Tuesdaynight. Wauford wasreleased on $5,000bond with a hearingset for Dec. 13.Assistant coach TaverJohnson was sus-pended for damaginga Marshall Stadiumcoaches’ box, wherea desk was destroyedand and chairs werethrown throughwalls, causing dam-age.

NCAA

MLB

ALOU COMING BACK:The National LeagueChampions SanFrancisco Giantsnamed Felipe Aloutheir new manageron Wednesday. The67-year-old agreedto a three-year dealand brings 10 yearsof managing experi-ence. Alou went691-717 with theMontrealExpos from1992-2001.Alou was thebench coachfor theDetroit Tigerslast season.


TAKEN TO SCHOOLMontalvo’s performance sparks Broncs to

34-point win over Monterrey Tech

See HOOPS page 14

DRIVIN’: Sophomore EricMontalvo drives to the basketduring a recent Broncs’ prac-tice. In UTPA’s exhibition gameagainst Monterrey Tech,Montalvo led the Broncs with22 points. The La Joya stand-out also pulled down sevenboards.

Documents

November 14, 2002