november 30, 2006

For Gracie Mellen, working in an

environment where the adrenaline runs

through your body on a daily basis is an

exciting experience. However, doing this

while setting someone else’s needs

before your own is a sacrifice few people

actually make.

Mellen, a former registered nurse

and now clinical instructor for The

University of Texas-Pan American’s

nursing program took on this “life of

sacrifice” for many years. She worked at

McAllen Medical Center starting in

1966, where she helped save hundreds of

lives.

“Being a nurse has made my life

rewarding,” Mellen, who left nursing in

2004, said. “Seeing how my skills made

a difference between life and death on a

patient is what makes all that sacrifice be

worth it, and I don’t regret a single day I

did not attend a social gathering to attend

an emergency at the hospital.”

However, despite the field’s

rewards, the American Hospital

Association reported in April that

approximately 118,000 registered nurses

are needed to fill vacant positions

nationwide. In addition, the Health

Resources and Services Administration

projects that the nursing shortage could

grow to more than one million by 2020.

At UTPA, the nursing program is

exploring ways to combat the growing

problem.

LACK OF SERVICETo Mellen, this shortage may even

call for desperate measures, as baccalau-

reate programs are turning applicants

away because of a shortage of faculty

and clinical training opportunities.

“I turned to teaching because I

found it time to give back to people that

are working to become nurses, and hope

to prepare the nurses we need to avoid

having to take in nurses from different

countries to cover the manpower – or

womanpower for that matter – that can

be covered by our people,” Mellen said.

Efforts to recruit foreign nurses to

fill job vacancies have resulted in 95,000

of the 2.7 million nurses in the United

States coming from outside the States.

According to the Joint Commission on

the Accreditation of Hospital

Organizations, they come primarily from

the Philippines, China and India.

This opens up an opportunity for

American candidates. Every year, UTPA

works to have more opportunities that

will help nursing students find the field

more compelling while they are in

school, to help ensure that they are in it

for the passion, Mellen said.

“I think that it is important to show

As the lights dimmed at the

Student Union Theater Tuesday night,

students, faculty, staff and community

members filled every corner of the

room. Every seat was taken and students

stood along the walls, sat on the floor,

even perched on the steps leading up to

the stage.

The attraction? The controversial

indigenous rights activist and Nobel

Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu-

Tum.

“We have studied her works. We

have read her story. Now, we’ll hear her

speak,” said Iracema Silva, the president

of the University Program Board, who

introduced Menchu-Tum, the second

speaker in the 2006-2007 Distinguished

Speaker series.

To thunderous applause, Menchu-

Tum walked on stage waving the color-

ful fringed Guatemalan shawl that lay

around her shoulders. Opening her

Every semester the administration

at The University of Texas-Pan

American is faced with the difficult

decision of whether to cancel certain

classes, for various reasons. For many

students, a canceled class is more than

just a schedule change. It can have seri-

ous ramifications.

“As international students we have

to take 12 hours in order to remain in the

U.S. validly,” said Benjamin Nowak, a

senior computer science major who is an

exchange student from Lüneburg,

Germany.

Nowak and Felix Eckhardt, anoth-

er German exchange student, had their

computer networking classes canceled

this fall. For them, the problem was not

so much the cancellation, but how they

were notified about it.

“We needed letters from the inter-

national office for each of our professors

letting them know they have internation-

al students in their class,” said Nowak.

When Nowak arrived at the univer-

sity’s international office they gave him

four letters, but he had registered for five

classes.

“I asked about where the fifth letter

was and they said the networking class

had been canceled,” Nowak said.

To verify the notice, Nowak and

Eckhardt went to the office so Eckhardt

could receive his letters as well.

“They only gave me three letters,”

said Eckhardt, who was enrolled in four

classes.

The office informed them that their

networking class had been canceled and

at least Eckhardt would have to replace

it in order to fulfill the full-time course-

PAN AMERICAN

SSeeee ppaaggee 1166

Home court advantageexpands with addition ofband

Sports

THE

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 Te x a s - P a n A m e r i c a n N o v e m b e r 3 0 , 2 0 0 6

Guest speaker explainsreasons behind Oaxacateachers’ strike

Holiday EntertainmentGuide makes winter funeasy

SSeeee ppaaggee 77SSeeee ppaaggee 33

A&ENews

Nobel laureate proves crowd-pleaser

By JAVIER CAVAZOS

The Pan American

Students distraught over canceled classes

See CANCELED page 12

See MENCHU page 12 See NURSES page 12

By CLAUDETTE GONZALEZThe Pan American

Rafael Navarro Roux/The Pan AmericanCOLORFUL - An enthusiastic Rigoberta Menchu-Tum, a Nobel Peace Prize winner from Guatemala, spoke to a packedStudent Union Theater Tuesday night.

By EDWARD ELGUEZABELThe Pan American

Nursing program aimsto end shortage trend

The Pan American will be collecting new coats andtoys to give to needy children in the Valley. Pleasebring all donations to COAS170 before Dec. 14 andtake advantage of your chance to play Santa for a childthis holiday season

1201 West University, CAS 170

Edinburg, Texas 78539

(956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122

http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican

56th Year – No. 14

The Pan American gladly accepts letters fromstudents, staff and faculty regarding newspapercontent or current issues. The Pan Americanreserves the right to edit submissions forgrammar and length. Please limit submissionlength to 300 words. The Pan American cannotpublish anonymous letters, or submissionscontaining hate speech or gratuitous personalattacks. Letters are printed at the discretion ofthe editor and must include the writer’s name,classification/title and phone number.

N o v e m b e r 3 0 , 2 0 0 6

PAGE 2

News EditorSandra [email protected]

A&E EditorFrank Calvillo

[email protected]

Design EditorErika [email protected]

THE

PAN AMERICAN

The Pan American is the official studentnewspaper of The University of Texas-PanAmerican. Views presented are those of thewriters and do not necessarily reflect thoseof the university.

READERFORUM

Designers

SecretaryAnita Casares

Roy [email protected]

Laura C.Gomez

[email protected]

Gregorio [email protected]

Brian Carr

Javier Cavazos

Leslie Estrada

Patrick KennedyAna Ley

Kristyna Mancias

Maria Mazariegos

Angela Salazar

Trey Serna

Reporters and Photographers

Advertising [email protected]

DeliveryThursday at Noon

AdviserDr. Greg Selber

Ad ManagerCarolina Sanchez

Asst. Ad ManagerLillian Villarreal

Sports EditorLuke Koonglkoong2004

@yahoo.com

Photo EditorOnydia [email protected]

EditorClaudette Gonzalez

[email protected]

Letter to the editorTo the editor:

My name is Robert Sanchez,

currently a graduating M.B.A. stu-

dent. I came across the Oct. 26 issue

of The Pan American, article,

'”Students gather to hunt ghosts, spir-

its” by Luke Koong. The article con-

tained references to the Alton bus

crash site and alleged paranormal

activity according to the co-founder

of a new ghost hunters club.

With Halloween still fresh in

our systems, the writers of The Pan

American deemed it appropriate to

run this article. As a former Mission

resident, I can still vividly recall the

incidents of that day. In fact, passen-

gers in the bus were siblings of my

friends. It was an extremely tragic day

for the entire community and neigh-

boring cities. It is my right as an indi-

vidual to voice my opinions against

the publication of the said article.

I believe the editors of the paper

committed an unethical crime that

rendered on extremely disrespectful

and even tasteless. Those unselfish

acts committed by the editors may

have directly affected and even

mocked the entire incident that caused

tragedy to so many lives.

Allowing such an article to be

released for “entertainment purposes”

reflects a cold, heartless and unprofes-

sional business.

The Alton bus crash site is a

memorial site in place for those who

tragically lost their lives and not for

entertainment purposes. It is not there

for equipment, nor to be studied by

educated professionals or even unedu-

cated non-professionals for that matter.

The corner of 5 mile and Bryan

is for paying respects to those who

lost their lives, for those who sur-

vived, and for their grieving families.

It is not to be exploited by the paper or

any other club in order to disrespect

the dead in any way shape or form.

Articles such as those published

in your “respectable” paper contribute

to ignorance and unethical practices

exercised in most communities that I

refuse to be a part of.

The community of Mission

deserves a sincere apology from your

“professional” publication, as do the

families involved.

Robert Sanchez

M.B.A. graduate student

Photo Submissions By: Daniel Flores, a senior communication major

BOSTON - “Where the bay meets the city, Boston Harbor Hotel boasts anumber of impressive structures such as this one.”

SUBWAY TALES - “Like most big cities, Boston is lined with tunnels, trainsand singing crazy people.”

TIME OF GIVING

As students sat waiting in the

Library Media Theater Nov. 17 for guest

Telesforo Santiago, a teacher from the

state of Oaxaca scheduled to speak at

The University of Texas-Pan American,

they received some unexpected news.

The guest they awaited, who was going

to inform them about the status of the

strike taking place in that Mexican

locale, was told at the last minute he

would not be allowed to travel to the

university.

According to Pete Farruggio, a

UTPA assistant professor of the depart-

ment of curriculum and instruction in the

College of Education, Santiago was

denied his right of freedom of speech.

Santiago is temporarily in Los Angeles

on a student visa, saying he is here to

learn about the U.S. government and

political situation, as well as education.

Farruggio informed the people that

attended the “Granito de Arena” event

that one day before his flight, Santiago

was told by his program director that he

would not be allowed to leave Los

Angeles to come speak to students and

faculty at UTPA. Santiago was chosen as

representative of the political movement

group APPO (Popular Assembly of the

Peoples of Oaxaca).

This movement is the result of the

strike by teachers in Oaxaca who are

demanding the resignation of Gov. Ulises

Ruiz. The protestors are fighting for

higher salaries, against privatization of

schools, for medicine for hospitals, better

school construction and repairs, and

respect for people’s rights as workers.

The unrest in Mexico has gone on

for the past five months and has virtual-

ly shut down that city’s business and

tourism industry. Strikers are calling for

the removal of the governor of the state

and there have been violent outbreaks

recently. One, which took place on

Saturday, left 43 people injured and gov-

ernment buildings and several vehicles

destroyed by fires set by protestors.

According to Farruggio, Santiago

did not come to UTPA because some

people feared for his safety, acknowl-

edging the fact that UTPA is close to the

border and they thought he could be in

danger of getting kidnapped. Supporters

also said they were not informed of this

visit with enough time to plan for it.

However, Santiago sent in a prepared

statement to be read to the audience that

attended this event, including his

thoughts in regard to the difficult situa-

Three months ago, Victor Alvarez

was on his way to Houston when his

van’s engine began to overheat, a con-

stant problem during longer trips.

Obtaining funds for a new vehicle can be

a daunting process for any student.

However, for Alvarez the difficulty is

compounded, as he has to raise $35,000

for a handicap-accessible van.

Alvarez, a freshman history major


American, has suffered from spinal mus-

cular atrophy, a disease that weakens the

muscles due to atrophy of nerve cells in

the spinal cord, since birth. As a result,

he needs a vehicle equipped to accom-

modate his disability

To get him a new one, a network of

people and organizations are working

together to raise the funds.

Elvira Sanchez, manager of the

youth award program for the Hispanic

Heritage Foundation, says the organiza-

tion has decided to assist Alvarez because

despite his disability, his ambition has

made him an outstanding scholar.

HHF has been helping Alvarez,

who is a recipient of the HHF Youth

Awards Gold honor, by forwarding his

petition for funds via e-mail to the

donors the organization works with.

“Out of more than 13,000 applica-

tions, he was selected by our committee

to receive the award,” Sanchez said. “We

have kept in touch with him since then,

and since we know we can contact

donors for him, why not help guarantee

the future of such a dedicated student?”

In his spare time, Alvarez, origi-

nally from San Luis Potosí, Mexico,

volunteers, creates art and attends com-

munity events such as Relay for Life, all

while maintaining an A/B average at

UTPA. In addition, the student has a

regular column in The Monitor called

“Victor’s Voice.”

By KRISTEN VILLEGASThe Pan American

See VAN page 13

UTPA Radio will be airing its firstnewsmagazine broadcast Dec. 1 at12:05 p.m. on KMBH FM 88.1.

News in brief:NEWSStudent needs funds for handicap-accessible van

NEED A LIFT? - Victor Alvarez, a freshman history major who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, is raising funds to buya new handicap-equipped van because the one he has, a 1992 Ford Econoline, is no longer in working order.

See OAXACA page 13

Activist speaks to students on Oaxaca teachers’ strike

Sidney Meadows/ The Pan American

By ANA LEYThe Pan American

Anne Toal has always been pas-

sionate about technology. It is one of the

things she likes to explore in her free

time. Now, her innate love for all things

tech is part of a new job.

Toal, a native of Edinburg, will not

oversee the computer labs or Help Desk

anymore, as she did under her previous

title. Instead, The University of Texas-

Pan American’s new technology assess-

ment officer will be in charge of advanc-

ing technology offered on campus.

She will thus be able to focus full-

time on what she loves.

“I work with it all day at work and

the idea of being able to be free enough

to just focus on this area that I feel so

passionately about is a dream,” Toal

said.

According to Bob Lim, who took

over the role of executive vice president

of information systems in November, the

creation of the new position is a big step

toward reaching the goals set for the IT

division.

“I want Information Technology to

be leaders in the delivery of technology

solutions resulting in the customer’s

ability to do things they couldn’t do

before,” said Lim.

The university has never had a

position solely based on looking at tech-

nology and how to improve it. Toal, who

has been at her new post since Nov. 1,

said her job will allow the university to

react to hazardous technology situations

before they begin.

“We spent a lot of time reacting to

situations that were thrust on us like

viruses that attacked campus,” Toal said.

“This is more of a proactive position,

trying to get in front of technology and

bringing things to the campus.”

One of Toal’s main responsibilities

See POSITIONS page 13

Personnel changes to benefit ITBy LUKE KOONGThe Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan

American is honoring students who par-

ticipate in volunteer activity with the

President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The award is given to those that

complete the necessary hours within 12

months, from April 1 to March 31. The

awards ceremony is held in April for all

participants. Recipients can qualify for

new awards each year.

The recognition is part of the UT

Service and Civic Participation initia-

tive, launched by System Chancellor

Mark Yudof in early November, which

aims to highlight volunteering activities

by students, faculty and staff within the

UT System.

Awards are based on individual or

group volunteering hours, which deter-

mines whether the recognized party

receives the Bronze, Silver or Gold award.

There is also a special award called

the President’s Call to Service Award,

given to an individual who has complet-

By SIDNEY MEADOWSThe Pan American

See INITATIVE page 13

UTPA joins initative torecognize volunteers

NEWS November 30, 2006

Studying hard, working hard and

dedicating time to becoming a profes-

sional are everyday parts of a student’s

life. Every failed midterm or research

paper covered in red ink can encourage

or discourage students to work harder.

The big question, however, is, does hard

work pay off in the end?

While conventional wisdom says

that it does, “Bonjour Laziness: Why

Hard Work Doesn’t Pay,” a book by

Corinne Maier, explores just this ques-

tion from the opposite point of view.

The book focuses on how business-

es are run and whether or not it is in a

young person’s interest to put full effort

into work.

According to Maier, when trying to

get a job it is important to not only know

what the business is marketing or sell-

ing, but also how to market and sell

yourself to the company.

“To keep from being unemployed,

you have to cultivate your ‘employabili-

ty,’ Maier writes. “The wage earner

needs this ill-defined yet indispensable

quality these days, at a time when even a

product as ordinary as sliced bread

vaunts its ‘toastability’, its ‘butterabili-

ty’ and why not? - even its ‘marmalad-

ability,’ in order to seduce consumers

who never knew that this is what they

wanted.”

This theory not only holds true in

the business world, but in any aspect of

professional life. In order to succeed in a

highly competitive job market, one must

know how to self-promote in order to

convince employers that you are what

they have been waiting for.

It is Maier’s theory that “new is

always right,” so young, new workers

can liven up and refresh businesses

because they can appeal to their own

demographic who “live life to the max.”

For this young group of up and

comers, Maier has another piece of

advice in her book: “Never under any

circumstances accept a position of

responsibility.” It is her belief that the

less responsibility someone has with

their job, the more they can gain an

advantage over the company. The phrase

she uses to describe this is “active disen-

gagement.”

While Maier’s strategies may work

for someone trying to remain at the level

they are already at, those looking for

advancement, challenge and progress may

do better by not applying these concepts.

“That is ridiculous,” said Erica

Mendiola, a finance graduate of The

University of Texas-Pan American, “If

you do not give 100 percent, then your

supervisors will notice. In the world of

business there are deadlines to meet and

goals to accomplish. If you do not

accomplish these things, then I think you

are as good as gone.”

Another main point in the book is

that an employee is not being judged on

how well he or she can perform in the

workplace, but on their ability to con-

form to the business’ environment.

At the university, students in the

College of Business Administration are

learning skills to help them adapt and

stand out in the business world, accord-

ing to Jane LeMaster, the associate dean

for the college.

“What we offer is a broad-based

degree in business administration,”

LeMaster said. “Every student in the

College of Business gets a foundation in

business – accounting, marketing,

finance, economics, So, the students

who get their degrees have a good

understanding about a business and that

can be any kind of business.”

In addition, Sheetal Stolani, an

MBA student, says unlike Maier, she

sees the benefits of hard work.

“Business opens the door to many

possibilities,” Stolani said. “Business

teaches you hard work, organization,

communication skills and persistence.”

Moreoever, learning every aspect

of a business is an advantage for stu-

dents, according to LeMaster. Instead of

concentrating specifically on one facet,

students can gain an all-around knowl-

edge that can help them once they leave

the halls of the university.

In addition, UTPA students have a

slight benefit in that many have learned

to manage time better in order to balance

both work and school.

Balancing both can be hard work,

but Stolani says, despite what Maier

may say, it will pay off.

“Learning from books is one thing

and working hands-on is something

totally different,” said Stolani. “No mat-

ter what educational background you

have, you need to have work experience

to be efficient. In my situation I have

worked prior to finishing college and I

think I was well prepared to work in the

real world.”

November 30, 2006 NEWS

Book asks: Does hard work really pay off?By ANGELA SALAZARThe Pan American

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There used to be a time when

Christmas meant getting together with

loved ones and appreciating everything

and everyone a person had in their lives.

Somewhere down the road, it is unclear

where, Christmas became an item, a

product with a barcode that people

bought and sold without a thought.

No one is certain who is to blame

for the commercialization of the

Christian world’s most beloved holiday,

but for some, such as Brian Warren, a

theater lecturer at The University of

Texas-PanAmerican, the true meaning of

Christmas is still clear.

Tonight, Warren will invite the

public to UTPA’s Jeffers Theatre to see

“The Golden Cobwebs,” a new

Christmas children’s play he has co-

written and will co-direct.

The play tells the story of a young

boy named Billy who, through various

incidents, has somehow lost the meaning

of Christmas and seeks to regain his hol-

iday spirit through magical ways involv-

ing fairies and evil spiders.

Warren said that more than any-

thing, he hopes children will identify

with the play.

“What possessed me with this proj-

ect was that I really wanted to relate the

Christmas message to kids in hopes that

they would see themselves in Billy,” he

said.

Although “Cobwebs” possesses

similarities to beloved Christmas clas-

sics such as “A Christmas Carol,” or

“The Nutcracker,” Warren feels his play

is different.

“It’s an old theme in a new mes-

sage and we are presenting it in a new

and interesting way I think,” he said.

The process of creating the

Christmas tale began this past summer

when Marleen Galvan, a student in one

of Warren’s classes, came up with the

idea and went to the seasoned

writer/director for some input.

“I co-wrote the play with Brian. He

really liked my idea and wanted to con-

tribute more to it and make it a little

more farcical,” said the English major.

Warren says that although seeped

with fun and laughter, the show will res-

onate with both younger and older audi-

ence members.

“Many of my students have told me

of the time they found out that Santa

Claus wasn’t real,” he said. “For many,

hopefully this play will help them recap-

ture what Christmas once was for them

and should be still.”

Cast member Leya Hernandez,

who plays “Gizmo” in the production,

feels the story’s message is indeed an

important one.

“This play is about showing people

that there is more to this holiday than

just presents. It’s actually about cherish-

ing Christmas,” said the theater perform-

ance major.

Despite the play’s message, Warren

insists that “The Golden Cobwebs” is

not meant to influence people’s minds.

“We are not trying to renew a belief

in Santa Claus or anything like that, but

instead renew a lost faith in whatever

you used to believe in,” said Warren. “It

will be paralleled by the magical effect

Christmas has on people.”

“The Golden Cobwebs” will run

through Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. with an addi-

tional performance Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2

p.m. For more information, contact the

University Box Office at (956) 381-

3583.

The Valley Symphony Orchestra

and Chorale (VSO) is preparing for its

annual holiday concert taking place at

the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan

del Valle-National Shrine tonight.

Having the holiday concert at this

location has become a tradition for the

orchestra.

“Several years ago we were look-

ing for a location for our concert and

the McAllen Civic Center was not

available,” said Monica Folk, admin-

istrator for the orchestra. “The

Basilica opened its doors for us and it

has become a tradition to have our

holiday concert there.”

Alicia Estrada, a sophomore

business major at The University of

Texas-Pan American, has had the

chance to attend past concerts at the

Basilica and has enjoyed the experi-

ence.

“The location is great for a con-

cert of this type,” Estrada said. “It

gives you a feeling of warmth and you

really feel that Christmas is just

around the corner.”

The concert will last roughly two

hours and the VSO will perform

pieces including Honegger’s “Une

Cantate de Noel,” Caccini/Mercurio’s

“Ave Maria,” Bass’ “A Feast of

Carols,” Vivaldi’s “Gloria in D

Major” and Bass’ “Glad Things.”

“We are preparing pieces that are

familiar to mostly everybody,” said

Folk. “They may not know them by

reading the title, but when they hear

them, they’ll recognize the pieces

immediately.”

As usual, The Valley Symphony

Orchestra and Chorale will have two

special guests at this concert, lending

a special touch to the performance.

Mazias de Oliveira, a Brazilian

tenor, will sing the “Ave Maria” as the

orchestra plays. Joe A. Morales, the

vice president/general manager for

Univision Radio, will be in charge of

narrating the Christmas story.

According to Folk, people should

not miss this concert since it is one of

a kind and marks the beginning of the

holiday season.

“The orchestra will be perform-

ing contemporary holiday music,” she

said. “Anybody who is familiar with

Christmas music will recognize it.”

She added that people should be

looking forward to it, since it is an

opportunity for a fun night out.

“It is a great opportunity for peo-

ple to dress up a little bit and go out to

enjoy themselves,” said Folk.

People like Valley native Jorge

Garza agree with her.

“I already purchased my ticket

for the concert,” said Garza. “I’ve

never had the chance to attend one of

the symphony’s concerts, and I think I

chose just the right one to watch them

perform.”

Even though there will not be a

dress rehearsal for students, Folk

would like to invite everyone to come

and watch the orchestra perform.

“Music is the language of our

souls,” Folk said. “Even though not

everyone is used to listening to sym-

phonic music, a lot of people are

familiar with it more than they think

about.”

Reserved seats are $25 to $40.

For tickets call the VSO office at

(956) 393-2293, visit the Basilica Gift

Shop or log on to www.valleyorches-

tra.org.

VSO performs annual holiday concert at local shrineBy LESLIE ESTRADAThe Pan American

UTPA Christmas play shows true holiday spiritBy FRANK CALVILLOThe Pan American

SEASONAL MUSIC - The Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform its annualholiday concert tonight at 8 p.m.

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS - Brian Warren and Marleen Galvan’s new children’s play “The Golden Cobwebs”shows its audience what Christmas once was and should be.

Marion Monta

Genesis Moreno/The Pan American

November 30, 2006 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 9 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT November 30, 2006

he holiday season is

about more than cooler

temperatures and chaotic

shopping malls. It’s also a

time for holiday classics, which are

making their way into McAllen.

“The Nutcracker” has become the most popularballet performed around the year-end season. Its storyhas been reproduced in many forms with a plotrevolving around a blonde German girl named ClaraStahlbaum. The names change slightly throughoutdifferent versions, but the premise remains the same.According to Nutcrackerballet.net, the ballet is basedon the story of “The Nutcracker and the King ofMice,” written by E.T.A. Hoffman, a young Germangirl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fiercebattle against a Mouse King with seven heads.

Gary Mounce, a political science professor at TheUniversity of Texas-Pan American, is heavily involvedin a local production of “The Nutcracker” and hasmade it a family affair. Malena Mounce, his wife anda sociology professor at UTPA, is also featured in theballet.

“We love the arts but neither one of us imaginedwe’d add performance art to our resumes,” theMounces said.

Their children, Joey Mounce, 19, and NenaMounce, 18, both freshmen at UTPA, will be perform-ing in the ballet as well.

“On the first night, Joey will be the Prince andNena will be the Sugar Plum Fairy,” Gary Mouncesaid. “At least for fifteen minutes the siblings will pre-tend they love one another,” he joked.

On other nights, the brother and sister duo willshare roles with other cast members.

The ballet will be performedDec. 1 and 2 at 7:30p.m. and Dec.3 at 1:30p . m .a t

Story By: Trey Serna Designed By: Roy Bazan Tthe McAllen Civic Center. It is presented bythe McAllen Association of Performing Artsand tickets are $10.

“Where else can one see live world-classballet for only $10?” asked Malena Mounce.

They have been working hard sinceAugust and Malena Mounce admitted thatthe classes and discipline are demanding, butmaintains the rewards of artistic develop-ment and stronger bodies are great.

If some are not able to make itout to the earlier dates of “TheNutcracker,” another versionof the ballet will be showingat the McAllen CivicCenter, done by adifferent company.The Deborah CaseDance Academy is thehome of the Rio GrandeValley Ballet, whichwill be performing“ T h eN u t c r a c k e r ”Dec. 9 and 10.

“This isthe 34th yearand it’st h elongestr u n -n i n g

show at the McAllen Civic Center,” said Case.Maggie Lowery, 17, a Nikki Rowe High School

senior, has been dancing ballet since she was twoyears old and performing “The Nutcracker” since

she was five. She looks forward to this year’s per-formance for a special reason.

“This will be my last performance of ‘TheNutcracker,’ as I am a senior in high school and

will not be in the Valley next year,” said Lowery.“I have performed in ‘The Nutcracker’ since

first grade. After this year’s show, I will haveperformed every female part in the ballet,

including Clara, the Snow Queen andthe Sugar Plum Fairy. This year, I

am a parent, a snowflake, andmy soloist parts areArabian and Dew Drop.”

Case encourageseveryone to come out and

enjoy a holiday tradition. Ticketsfor the ballet are $10-$15 for

reserved seating,depending on seat-

ing area.“It’s the

most famousballet in

America,” Casesaid. “‘TheNutcracker’ is a

family affair anda holiday clas-

sic so peoples h o u l d

c o m eout.”

November 30, 2006 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 8 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT November 30, 2006

he holiday season is

about more than cooler

temperatures and chaotic

shopping malls. It’s also a

time for holiday classics, which are

making their way into McAllen.

“The Nutcracker” has become the most popularballet performed around the year-end season. Its storyhas been reproduced in many forms with a plotrevolving around a blonde German girl named ClaraStahlbaum. The names change slightly throughoutdifferent versions, but the premise remains the same.According to Nutcrackerballet.net, the ballet is basedon the story of “The Nutcracker and the King ofMice,” written by E.T.A. Hoffman, a young Germangirl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fiercebattle against a Mouse King with seven heads.

Gary Mounce, a political science professor at TheUniversity of Texas-Pan American, is heavily involvedin a local production of “The Nutcracker” and hasmade it a family affair. Malena Mounce, his wife anda sociology professor at UTPA, is also featured in theballet.

“We love the arts but neither one of us imaginedwe’d add performance art to our resumes,” theMounces said.

Their children, Joey Mounce, 19, and NenaMounce, 18, both freshmen at UTPA, will be perform-ing in the ballet as well.

“On the first night, Joey will be the Prince andNena will be the Sugar Plum Fairy,” Gary Mouncesaid. “At least for fifteen minutes the siblings will pre-tend they love one another,” he joked.

On other nights, the brother and sister duo willshare roles with other cast members.

The ballet will be performedDec. 1 and 2 at 7:30p.m. and Dec.3 at 1:30p . m .a t

Story By: Trey Serna Designed By: Roy Bazan Tthe McAllen Civic Center. It is presented bythe McAllen Association of Performing Artsand tickets are $10.

“Where else can one see live world-classballet for only $10?” asked Malena Mounce.

They have been working hard sinceAugust and Malena Mounce admitted thatthe classes and discipline are demanding, butmaintains the rewards of artistic develop-ment and stronger bodies are great.

If some are not able to make itout to the earlier dates of “TheNutcracker,” another versionof the ballet will be showingat the McAllen CivicCenter, done by adifferent company.The Deborah CaseDance Academy is thehome of the Rio GrandeValley Ballet, whichwill be performing“ T h eN u t c r a c k e r ”Dec. 9 and 10.

“This isthe 34th yearand it’st h elongestr u n -n i n g

show at the McAllen Civic Center,” said Case.Maggie Lowery, 17, a Nikki Rowe High School

senior, has been dancing ballet since she was twoyears old and performing “The Nutcracker” since

she was five. She looks forward to this year’s per-formance for a special reason.

“This will be my last performance of ‘TheNutcracker,’ as I am a senior in high school and

will not be in the Valley next year,” said Lowery.“I have performed in ‘The Nutcracker’ since

first grade. After this year’s show, I will haveperformed every female part in the ballet,

including Clara, the Snow Queen andthe Sugar Plum Fairy. This year, I

am a parent, a snowflake, andmy soloist parts areArabian and Dew Drop.”

Case encourageseveryone to come out and

enjoy a holiday tradition. Ticketsfor the ballet are $10-$15 for

reserved seating,depending on seat-

ing area.“It’s the

most famousballet in

America,” Casesaid. “‘TheNutcracker’ is a

family affair anda holiday clas-

sic so peoples h o u l d

c o m eout.”

A & E November 30, 2006

It’s a good thing that “Deck the

Halls” was released during the

Thanksgiving holiday since that’s the

time for turkeys.

One of a

handful of hol-

iday-themed

films for the winter season, “Deck the

Halls” is a film that boasts well-known

actors, physical comedy and a soundtrack

that’s bursting with Christmas songs.

The plot is simple. Local

optometrist Steve Finch (Matthew

Broderick) is a family man so obsessed

with Christmas that he has his loved ones

on a Christmas schedule. Steve is so in

love with the holiday, he even goes as far

as telling his kids to submit all Christmas

caroling requests in writing.

Meanwhile Buddy Hall (Danny

DeVito) is a car salesman who has

recently moved himself and his family

into town, becoming the Finches’ new

neighbors. Buddy is disappointed with

the way his life has turned out and wants

to do something that people will remem-

ber him for. As a result, he decorates the

outside of his house to the hilt with tons

of Christmas lights in the hopes they will

be seen from space.

This doesn’t bode well with Steve,

the self-proclaimed “Christmas guy”

who makes it his mission to thwart

Buddy’s plan. It isn’t long before the two

men are battling it out in an effort to out-

Christmas each other.

It’s pretty much a sure-fire bet that

every year around this time there will be

a few movies full of holiday cheer and

sentimentality for families to choose

from. However the problem with films

such as these is that they only fall into

one of two categories: naughty or nice.

Very few films have earned the

right to be on the naughty list quite like

“Deck the Halls.”

To begin with, the story is sketchy

at best. If you ask any person on the street

what the film was about simply from see-

ing the trailers, they would more than

likely be unable to provide you with any

type of clear answer. This is a comedy,

but without any solid or novel jokes to

support it. Instead, the film relies too

heavily on tired sight gags and an over-

abundance of physical comedy to force

laughs from its generous audience.

Perhaps what hurts the film the

most are the two main characters. Steve

is upset because he must endure his new

neighbor’s many annoying actions at the

expense of his property and family so he

sets out to literally wreck Buddy’s

Christmas. Buddy wants to feel special

for once by doing something he will

always be remembered for which means

sabotaging Steve’s Christmas.

Who is the hero? Who is the vil-

lain? Who should be applauded and who

should be booed off the screen? In the

end, who really cares? Both characters

are so petty, childish and mean-spirited

that neither one really deserves any sym-

pathy from the audience, let alone a

merry Christmas.

Star power is about the only thing

this lame holiday comedy has going for

it. As the two neighbors, Devito and

Broderick bring as much as they can to

their underwritten roles (especially

Devito, who supplies plenty of that trade-

mark humor movie audiences love him

for.)

However the chemistry between the

two leads is all but non-existent. In fact

their scenes are so bad, you feel as if they

received the script a mere five minutes

prior to shooting.

These are both very gifted and well-

loved actors. Surely there must be some

film vehicles out there that are more

deserving of their talents.

Films of this genre can be tricky.

Some are excruciatingly awful like Ben

Affleck’s 2004 fiasco “Surviving

Christmas,” and some are heart-tugging

like last year’s hit “The Family Stone.” If

there’s anything to be said for “Deck the

Halls,” it’s that at least it’s nowhere near

as horrendous as “The Santa Clause 3.”

However, if this film fails to satisfy, I

suggest you wait for the upcoming

release of the horror-film remake “Black

Christmas.” At least it can offer more

cheer.

By FRANK CALVILLOThe Pan American

Now in its 60th year, the

Harlingen Jaycees’ annual Christmas

parade will hit the pavement promptly

at 7 pm tomorrow, come rain or shine,

and will last roughly three to four hours.

However, the Jaycees have been plan-

ning since the minute last year’s parade

ended.

“At the end of every parade, that

same day the Harlingen Jaycees all

gather at someone’s house for a celebra-

tion dinner for a job well done,” said

Harlingen native Andres Gonzalez, who

was a member of the organization for

four years. “We then each come up with

a theme for next year and we vote.”

Themes for previous parades

include cartoon Christmas, Christmas at

the movies and Christmas around the

world. This year’s theme is Mardi Gras

Christmas. While parade organizer

Patricia Avila doesn’t know exactly how

participants will execute the theme, she

does know it’ll be a great show.

“The folks are pretty creative and I

am excited to see how they incorporate

the theme into their parade entry,” Avila

said.

Avila feels that all the hard work

that goes into the parade on the part of

the organizers and the participants is

worth it.

“We strive to put out a good

parade and we get positive feedback,”

Avila said. “This is a family oriented

event and we know that the community,

especially the kids, look forward to see-

ing the parade…I mean, Santa.”

Avila is still accepting entries for

the parade but she estimates that there

will be about 90 to 100 entries partici-

pating in Friday’s parade. In addition to

many floats, both Harlingen high school

bands and several middle school bands

will march and play music.

For the bands, the parade is a

chance to play some fun music. This

year, the Harlingen High School

Cardinal Band will play “Frosty the

Snowman.” While the details are still in

the works, Cardinal head band director

Ronnie Rios said the band’s attire and

choreography will go along with the

Mardi Gras Christmas theme.

Other participants will include

local businesses and organizations such

as The Salvation Army, Fun & Sun and

several church groups.

According to Avila and Gonzalez,

people of all ages from Harlingen and

neighboring cities such as San Benito,

Rio Hondo, Combes and La Feria come

out to see the parade.

“Everyone is invited to our

parade,” Avila said. “I know that we

have winter Texans participate in the

parade and are also spectators. As I

mentioned, this is geared toward family

and I hope that our Christmas parade

brings fond memories for families.”

The parade will take place on

Jackson Street, starting at 4th Street and

continuing past A Street. Participants

will be judged, with trophies and cash

prizes going to 1st and 2nd place win-

ners.

In addition to the annual

Christmas parade, the Jaycees organize

several other Harlingen events includ-

ing the 4th of July parade, Blues on the

Hill, Rio Fest and the Easter Egg hunt.

However, the Christmas parade is the

biggest fundraiser for the community

service organization composed solely of

21- to 41-year-olds.

For information about participat-

ing in the parade as a vendor or for

information about joining the Jaycees,

contact Avila at (956) 245-5005 or by e-

mail at [email protected].

To volunteer at the parade, stop by the

registration table tomorrow for an

assignment.

By CLAUDETTE GONZALEZThe Pan American

New holiday comedylacks cheer, laughs

BATTLING FOR CHRISTMAS - Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick, left) andBuddy Hall (Danny Devito, right) play dueling neighbors in the “Deck the Halls.”

Mardi gras-themedparade hits Harlingen

www.macleans.com

NEW ORLEANS THEME - Christmas parade aims to blend Mardi Gras flair with Christmas traditions.

Students from the opera workshop


American’s music department will per-

form the folk opera “Down in the

Valley” Dec. 3 at 7:30 pm in the Studio

Theater.

Like all operas and musicals,

“Down in the Valley” tells a story, pri-

marily through song and dance, using

music to describe some of the charac-

ters’ most private thoughts or feelings.

“‘Down in the Valley’ is the tragic

love story of Jennie Parsons and Brack

Weaver, set in rural Alabama around the

beginning of the 20th century”, said

Ruth Crews, an assistant professor in the

music department. “The opera uses a

narrator and dramatic flash black as its

major techniques to explain the circum-

stances that have led to the conviction

and hanging of Brack for the death of

Thomas Bouche,” she added.

In the past few decades the line

between musicals and operas has been

blurred, leaving some to question what

genre “Valley” falls into.

“Since it has spoken dialogue, it

could possibly be considered a musical,”

said Crews. “Yet all of the spoken dia-

logue is delivered over music and the

singing style required is more classical

than just belting or popular.”

Dancing also plays a key role in

telling the story. There are scenes that

require a little bit of square dancing,

which brings out the setting and time

period.

This is the second time this opera

will be performed at UTPA. The last was

in 1975, and bringing it back is some-

thing that has been in the wings for quite

some time. This piece is normally per-

formed by workshops such as the opera

workshop or community workshops.

The atmosphere that will be set by

the scenery is simple. By using lighting

changes and a few subtle props the tran-

sitions from Jennie’s house to Brack’s

jail cell is simple and dramatic.

Students are also becoming

acquainted with this new style.

“All of the students in this produc-

tion are new to this style of music and

performance,” Crews said. “Much of the

music is difficult harmonically and

rhythmically and they have risen to the

challenge.”

Even the performers within the

show see the progress that has been

made through the show.

“I think we’ve come a long way. A

lot of our students are first year students

who don’t read music and I think it will

be a good show,” said Geronimo J.C.

Ruedas.

“Down in the Valley” was written

by Kurt Weill and its first performance

was actually for radio in August 1948.

The real break for this production came

in 1950 when it became one of the first

musical theater works to be broadcast on

television.

The characters of Jennie Parsons

and Brack Weaver are being played by

Anastacia Ortiz and Ruedas.

“My character is named Brack

Weaver,” said Ruedas, “he is a poor

country boy who lives in the rural val-

ley, like an Oklahoma setting, but on a

smaller scale.”

Brack is one of the main leads of

the opera.

“I fall in love with the character

Jennie Parsons,” said Ruedas about his

character Brack, “and I plan on telling

her I love her.”

It is the classic tale of a love that

can never be.

&RTSNTERTAINMENT

Editor’s Pick: Must-read book

Gambling has come a long way

since the days of riverboat casinos and

Old West saloons.

The popularity of the World Series

of Poker has led to an ESPN contract and

a befuddling misconception that the

game is a sport and a pastime, its legiti-

macy nearly unchecked by puritanical

condemnation.

At the turn of the 20th century,

games of chance for the sake of mone-

tary gain were widely condemned,

though widely pursued. But 21st-century

technology has alleviated ridicule, and

lent accessibility to the pursuit through

virtual gaming sites and simulated poker

videogames.

Long gone is the notion that gam-

bling requires a trip to Las Vegas. The

nearly unregulated world of online casi-

nos allows Sin City to come to you.

Of course, in the virtual world, the

risk is still the same. But thankfully the

videogame industry has created primer

games to teach skills while also provid-

ing endless hours of entertainment.

Herschel Greenberg of Whittier,

Ca., is a top reviewer for Amazon.com.

In his review of “Poker Academy V2,”

Amazon’s highest selling poker video

game, he sums up the aim of the simula-

tion.

“The best thing I can say about this

poker training tool (I think of it more of

a tool than a game),” Greenberg wrote,

“is how well I have done at a real Texas

Hold ‘Em table…with the knowledge I

have gained.”

However, for Keith White, execu-

tive director of the National Council on

Problem Gambling, the acceptance of

games like “Poker Academy V2” as a

training ground for actual gambling is a

big concern.

“What we have found is that many

sites and games don’t have true odds,”

White said. “They tend to favor the

player.”

White argues that these skewed

odds lead to over-confidence in gam-

blers. And while quick to acknowledge

that most games will not lead to gam-

bling addictions, he feels it is necessary

for would-be gamblers to understand the

real-world risks of wagering.

“We see the games as a neutral,”

White said. “But we definitely feel that

gambling should be addressed in the

same way that parents have the sex,

drugs and rock and roll talk with their

kids.”

Other games, such as “World

Series of Poker: Tournament of

Champions,” take less educational

approaches to the world of sport gam-

bling. In that particular title players

assume an avatar and work through a

career mode that brings about encounters

with real-life poker greats such as 2005

World Series winner Joseph Hachem.

The gripe most players have with

this game is that the computer comes out

with a lot of big hands on the flop, and

gets a ridiculous number of flushes and

straights. In that regard it is a great tool

for gamblers as it teaches the cardinal

rule of the casino industry: The house

always wins.

Video poker craze sweeps nation, raises concernsBy BRIAN CARRThe Pan American

Music department to perform 1940s operaBy ANGELA SALAZARThe Pan American

“The Homecoming,”the new book from

best-selling sci-fi authorRay BradburyE A

CAN YOU BLUFF ONLINE? - Online video poker has taken the place of tradi-tional pastimes for many Americans.

http://www.pokerking.com

Anglea Salazar/The Pan AmericanTRAGIC LOVE - Anastacia Ortiz (left) and Geronimo Ruedas (right) star in “Down in the Valley,” an old-time opera beingperformed by UTPA’s music department for only the second time in its history.

CANCELED continued from page 1

load required of international students.

“What angered us most was that

they acted like it was no big deal,” said

Eckhardt. “They know we have to take

twelve hours, but they didn’t contact us

as fast as they should have.”

While the experience Eckhardt and

Nowak had is rare, sometimes students

are caught completely unaware of can-

celed classes until the semester is about

to begin or has already begun.

The decision of whether to cancel a

class or not is mainly left to department

heads. A variety of factors go into the

decision-making process but the goal is

generally to try and salvage the class in

question.

“We don’t like to cancel a class.

Usually it comes down to whether or not

the teaching position can be filled,” said

Mohammed Farooqui, biology depart-

ment chair. “We try to help the students.

As soon as we’re sure a class is going to

be canceled we notify the admissions

office so they can contact students.”

He also added that the department

generally knows about a month before

classes start whether they’ll be canceled

or not - usually based on low enrollment

- and that sometimes the rules about the

number of students in a class can be

waived if it is a class the university has-

n’t previously offered.

The search for new faculty and

other circumstances are also factored

into a decision for cancellation.

“If there is low enrollment or we

can’t find an instructor, we try to switch

the class or let students know of other

options they can enroll in,” said

Lokenath Debnath, chair of the mathe-

matics department.

Classes are only canceled under

extenuating circumstances, and this fall

only two or three classes were canceled,

according to Debnath.

“Many times we just combine

classes if the enrollment numbers in one

or both are too low, but we don’t want

students suffering so we make sure to

take care of all this within the first week

of classes, if not sooner,” he added.

The university does have some

restrictions on class size, with under-

graduate classes requiring at the very

least between 10 and 15 students and

graduate classes needing a minimum of

five students.

“If our classes look like they won’t

be big enough, we try to make a predic-

tion of whether to cancel or not,” said

Guang-Zhen Wang, sociology depart-

ment chair. “Sometimes it’s a risky pre-

diction, but we can usually judge which

classes will not be able to make and

which will.”

Since students register at different

times, many of them at the last minute,

Wang said officials often have to wait

until right before the semester starts to

make a decision

“Regardless of what the decision is

we always try to make sure that students

are helped and not harmed by the depart-

ment’s choice,” Wang added.

MENCHU continued from page 1speech in her native language, Maya

Quiche, Menchu-Tum welcomed the

“multicultural, multi-ethnic” audience

that sat wide-eyed, staring up at her. The

rest of her speech was in Spanish, with

subtitles in English appearing on a large

screen at the other end of the stage.

Menchu-Tum is the author of sev-

eral books, including four children’s

books, but she has received the most

attention for her first book, the autobiog-

raphy titled “I, Rigoberta Menchu: An

Indian Woman in Guatemala,” which

she co-wrote with Elisabeth Burgos.

The autobiography tells of the

struggles and tragedies she encountered

growing up in Guatemala during the

country’s long civil war, and is taught in

many schools nationwide.

“We are co-authors of a book that

went on to be a history of Guatemala,

that went on to be a jewel for me and for

Guatemala, that reveals what I felt, what

I thought, my suffering and my pain,”

Menchu-Tum said.

After writing this book, Menchu-

Tum was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

in 1992. However, soon after, anthropol-

ogist David Stoll and New York Times

reporter Larry Rohter revealed that cer-

tain details in the book were not true,

including the death by malnutrition of a

brother whom the reporters found to be

alive and well on a farm in Guatemala

with his family.

While the book may be more accu-

rately called a portrayal of the plight of

Guatemala’s indigenous population than

an autobiography, it is clear that

Menchu-Tum’s life has not been easy.

Menchu-Tum was only two years

old when the 36-year-long civil war

began in Guatemala. At the core of the

conflict was a struggle between the

indigenous population and the European

governing class.

“We were constantly hearing about

kidnappings, torturings, disappearances,

and it also touched my family,” Menchu-

Tum said.

During this conflict, Menchu says

that her father was burned alive at the

Spanish embassy in Guatemala in 1980,

and her mother was kidnapped and tor-

tured soon after.

Although Menchu-Tum says there

has been much progress in the integra-

tion of the indigenous people into the

local and national governments, she still

sees room for improvement.

“I think there are more indigenous

people who are involved in public

administration, but that doesn’t change

the fact that the system is racist,”

Menchu-Tum said. “We’re going to have

a lot of work over the next few years to

eradicate racism and discrimination, and

Guatemala can be a model for intercul-

tural, multicultural, multilingual living

in Latin America.”

Rosalina Ruiz, who works in the

GEAR UP office on campus, says she

identifies with Menchu-Tum’s stories

because she sees similar struggles in her

native Mexico. She also admires the

humility that Menchu-Tum shows

despite her success.

“Her stories are amazing,” Ruiz

said. “Given the popularity she has

received, she still keeps herself so hum-

ble. She continues to be one of them.

She’s still very involved with her own

people.”

And Menchu-Tum agreed that it is

important to support la gente, or the peo-

ple.

“If I can help, I have to help.

There’s no better way than to hear the

person, hear their problems, be on the

side of the people,” Menchu-Tum said.

“I’m always on the side of the people.”

But Menchu-Tum knows that she

isn’t the only one working for

Guatemalans’ civil rights.

“I’m not the only fighter in

Guatemala, nor the most important one,”

Menchu-Tum said. “I’m just one more

person.”

Roberto Rivera, a senior anthropol-

ogy major from Honduras, spent the

summer of 2005 in Guatemala doing

ethnographic studies. Because of his

experience in the country and his own

Latin American heritage, Rivera was

excited to be able to get to know the

Nobel laureate.

“I’m honored to get to hear her speak

because she’s from Guatemala,” Rivera

said. “Our countries are neighbors.”


NURSES continued from page 1

students what they will get into,” Mellen

said. “I understand the need of more

nurses, but we also need to consider that

as educators, we have the obligation of

producing the competent nurses, no mat-

ter the number that amounts to.

WHY A SHORTAGE?The JCAHO produced a study

showing that many nurses left their jobs

because of poor administrative support

and tension due to lack of autonomy,

inflexible work schedules, indifferent

and inadequate personnel, and uncom-

petitive salaries and benefits.

To Carlos Grajeda, a licensed voca-

tional nurse in Rio Grande City, leaving

a nursing job for such reasons can also

illustrate a lack of vocational passion.

“I am a nurse to draw attention to the

full range of human experiences and

responses to health and illness,” Grajeda

explained. “The fact that my actions can

make a difference is what drives my love

for the profession. Yes there are long days,

and yes there are times where you feel that

you have no life, but the life you give each

patient just feeds on to my own.”

In addition, Melissa Medina, a

UTPA nursing student, says the chal-

lenges associated with becoming a nurse

can be daunting.

“Studying to be a nurse is not like

getting a degree in accounting or history

where you have to complete the 48-hour

deal, then certain hours in your field,”

Medina said. “We have to take more

hours that help us know things here and

there; everything that we might run into

at the work place.”

Prospective nursing students are

required to take more than just the 48

hours core curriculum, which in normal

cases includes the two semesters of sci-

ence and math among other classes.

Before applying to the program,

students must have at least 45 hours of

the BSN’s core classes complete, which

includes nutrition, clinical microbiology,

psychology and chemistry. If accepted,

the student must have a total of 70 hours

of the nursing program’s core classes in

order to officially begin.

According to Carolina Huerta,

nursing department chair, getting into

the program is the first checkpoint that

decides if students are meant for the

vocation or not.

“Students are well aware that the

nursing program is highly competitive,”

Huerta explained. “Acceptance to this

program is based on academic perform-

ance so students must show that dedica-

tion they are expected to have in the

field since the beginning of their college

education.”

Overall, Mellen says the selective

process is done in the name of the

patient care.

“What matters in this field is the

patients’ safety and needs,” Mellen said.

“I would rather have a limited number of

nurses on the floor, as long as they are

competent to take on the potential situa-

tions that can occur on that floor.”

Sidney Meadows/The Pan AmericanQ&A - Daisy Perez, a business administration graduate student, asks RigobertaMenchu-Tum a question during the open forum part of her speech.

tion with the strike in Oaxaca.

“They call us violent for defending

our public education,” Santiago said in

the statement. “What we want is a real

government to represent the population

of Oaxaca in all its diversity,” he added.

As part of his American experience,

Santiago was charged by his group with

coming to see how education in America

is and how the government stands. Their

main concern is to get the word out about

the situation in Mexico and get as much

help as possible to fight for better educa-

tion there; they are after better benefits

for educators as well.

Those assembled expressed their

disappointment at the cancellation.

“I would have been glad and hon-

ored to meet him,” said Efrain Barron, a

junior Spanish major from Lyford.

The word is that his visit has been

postponed until April. Even though the

students were not able to talk to Santiago

on a one-on-one basis, he was allowed to

have a teleconference in which students

and professors were able to participate

and ask questions. During that address,

Santiago further explained the group’s

grievances with the authorities.

“The state government attacks our

traditions, commercializes our culture in

a way that mocks and insults the people,

and intervenes openly in the towns and

communities that haven't conceded to its

demands,” he said.

A film was also shown to demon-

strate the political movement in Oaxaca,

illustrating the struggle the members of

the protest have undertaken to illustrate

the refusal of the government to hear the

people and satisfy their human rights.

They say the government has taken no

action other than violence to help their

cause against privatization of schools

and better education for the students.

“They have no respect for human

rights and dignity,” said Farruggio, who

also criticized the U.S. education plan,

“No Child Left Behind,” which he said is

“a worldwide attack against quality edu-

cation for poor and minority children.”

The film showed how materials in

schools are extremely scarce and, as a

result, teachers have to buy most school

supplies. Salaries are extremely low for

teachers in Oaxaca so they have trouble

meeting living expenses; some have up

to three jobs and even then, it is still not

enough.

Though education is the focus of the

fight, the overarching problem in Oaxaca,

say the strikers, is the governor, a man

whom they describe as very “old school.”

“Ulises Ruiz was elected governor

because of electoral fraud,” Santiago

claimed.

The film also attempted to demon-

strate the cruelty and violence in

Oaxaca, which strikers say is perpetrated

by police against people fighting for

their human rights. The people are also

afraid that Ruiz will misuse taxpayer

money he has been given.

“People are dying because of

police violence, curable disease and mal-

nutrition,” Santiago said. “He (Ruiz)

refuses to do anything about this concern

toward the demand for better education

so therefore the people of Oaxaca want

his immediate resignation of which he

clearly does not want to do; he continues

to promote violence rather than to come

up with solutions.”

Santiago has asked for student par-

ticipation to help resolve this difficult

situation, encouraging people to write

letters to President Vicente Fox before

he steps down from the presidency Dec.

1, and to Felipe Calderon, who will

replace Fox. Santiago said the letters

should inform the high-level politicians

of concerns that U.S. students have

about the fiasco in Oaxaca, and express

interest in the resignation of Ruiz.

Those interested in taking part in

the protest are encouraged to get more

information from Virginia Gause, UTPA

systems librarian, who will handle peti-

tions and send the letters.

November 30, 2006 NEWS

“They call us violent fordefending our public educa-tion. What we want is a realgovernment to represent thepopulation of Oaxaca in all itsdiversity.”

- Telesforo Santiago,teacher from Oaxaca

OAXACA continued from page 3

Students like Chris Ramirez, a

sophomore art major, are doing their

part to help Alvarez by asking local mer-

chants and donors for contributions, in

addition to e-mailing other students to

do the same.

“I met Victor in my honors class

and had read his columns in The

Monitor,” he said. “I respected him

greatly and felt that his vitality for life

deserved attention from others, and I

always enjoy helping others.”

Irazema Reyes, a sophomore inter-

disciplinary studies major, followed

Ramirez’s lead after receiving e-mails

sent to the Student Leadership Program.

“When Chris e-mailed me about

Victor, it really touched me,” said

Reyes, a member of SLP. “I do not know

Victor and have never seen him, but I

know he is going through a tough situa-

tion and I want to help him.”

Elizabeth Gearhart, Alvarez’s care-

giver, says two of the main reasons the

student needs a new vehicle is because

their current van, a 1992 Ford

Econoline, has an engine that overheats

and a ramp that often gets stuck as

Alvarez is moved in and out of it.

“I have learned a lot by being

around Victor,” she said. “One of the

things I’ve learned is that we all have

areas that we are strong in and areas that

we are weak in. Nobody is completely

independent, and we all have to make up

for each others’ weaknesses.”

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Support,

a non-profit organization that provides

support and information to family,

friends and caregivers of individuals

with the disability, is receiving and hold-

ing donations and will eventually pur-

chase the van.

“We’re helping Victor because we

know how difficult it is to travel with

this disability,” said Laura Stantz,

founder of SMAS. “While we do have a

close relationship with Victor, the reason

we are helping him is because he asked

for help, and that’s what we do.”

The vehicle Alvarez currently

owns was donated to him by the Texas

Elks Children Services, a nonprofit

organization sponsored by the Elks

Club. The Elks Club is a 138-year-old

fraternal organization commonly associ-

ated with charitable works.

“I think people should consider

donating for this cause because they are

making an investment in helping me

have this basic necessity,” said Alvarez.

“I have always tried to return the gen-

erosity of organizations that help me,

and if they help me, their money will be

put to very good use.”

VAN continued from page 3

is to converse with the student body for

ideas. She said the more input she

receives, the more she can tailor the uni-

versity’s technology to serve their needs.

“[Receiving input] is a sign of

pent-up demands that students may

have for something that may or may not

have gotten on our radar yet,” she said.

The former director of academic

computing has worked at the university

22 years and has passed down her previ-

ous duty of maintaining computer sup-

port to Janie Palacios, the director of

academic services.

Palacios said the Computer

Support department has made a smooth

transition and is continuing to make

improvements to better their services to

the university.

The job of maintaining the Help

Desk has been given to Jon Pena, com-

puter user services specialist.

Currently, Toal is working on

improving the Oracle system for new

employees, streamlining processes to

get them assimilated into the university

faster. She is exploring the possibility of

adding a Web-based financial aid calcu-

lator, giving students the ability to cre-

ate Web pages, and starting a MySpace-

type service.

Additionally, Toal is working with

the Center for Learning, Teaching and

Technology to get iTunes U ready for

launch.

ed more than 4,000 volunteer service

hours. Recipients receive an official

President’s Volunteer Service Award pin,

a personalized certificate of achieve-

ment, a note of congratulations from the

president of the United States, and a let-

ter from the President’s Council on

Service and Civic Participation.

However, for all levels of recogni-

tion, no scholarships or cash prizes are

awarded. According to Jeanette

Broshears, director of student life, this

decision was made with good reason.

“We don’t want people to join

because they are getting anything. We

want them to understand that they are

doing something great on their own,”

Broshears said.

For groups who organize events for

service projects, such as Kappa Sigma -

which has taken part in events like Bike

to the Coast and the basketball tourna-

ment Boarded in the past - the recogni-

tion just adds to the already present sat-

isfaction of giving back.

“These things are our duty to our

university, our responsibility,” said

Travis Butler, a kinesiology major and

Kappa Sigma member.

UTPA President Blandina Cardenas

said she is glad that students who volun-

teer will get the acclaim they deserve.

“We are honored to kick off this

new tradition,” Cardenas said. “They

deserve to be recognized for the gener-

ous giving of their time and service to

help improve life for the people here and

across the border.”

The program was started several

years ago by the president of the United

States to motivate people toward com-

munity service and has been adopted by

UTPA this year; 176 participants are cur-

rently registered for the program with

110 students.

“This is a win-win for everybody,”

Broshears said. “The places we volun-

teer receive some much-needed works

that they otherwise might not be able to

afford, and the participants learn to focus

on others, and you learn about yourself.”

Large scheduled events are not the

only available choices for helping with

community service. Events like a park or

highway cleanup also count for commu-

nity service hours. The most common

ways are to volunteer at hospitals, com-

munity agencies and churches.

“This award is really to recognize

the students who are already committed

to the community, and to influence oth-

ers,” Broshears said.

Yudof believes the rising populari-

ty of volunteering among young people

is a good sign for the country.

“The increase in civic engagement

on college campuses bodes well for

America’s ability to overcome a wide

variety of social challenges,” Yudof said.

Cardenas added that she is pleased

with the active role the UTPA communi-

ty plays in local advancement.

“I’m proud of the many students

and employees doing extraordinary work

for this community,” said Cardenas.

POSITIONS continued from page 3

INITATIVE continued from page 3

PROJECTED - Telesforo Santiago speaks via satellite about the Oaxaca teach-ers’ struggle Nov. 17 in the Library Media Theater.

Sidney Meadows/ The Pan American

SPORTS November 30, 2006

Women’s BasketballSat. Nov. 25

Texas-Pan American vs Louisiana-Monroe (Strahan Coliseum, San Marcos)

Texas-Pan American (3-3)Daniel 5-8 0-0 0-3 10, Grigsby 6-15 2-3 3-6 17, Jones 2-3 0-0 0-2 4, Vaughn 4-10 1-2 2-2

11, Jean 0-4 0-0 0-0 0, Wilson 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Gray 1-2 0-0 0-0 2, Freeman 0-3 0-2 0-0 0,Winfrey 0-2 0-1 0-2 0, Garrett 1-4 0-0 1-2 3, Woodard 2-6 0-0 0-0 4.

Louisiana-Monroe (5-1)Winston 2-7 0-0 0-0 4, Lloyd 3-5 0-0 1-2 7, O'Neal 4-8 2-5 3-3 13, Howard 1-10 0-6 2-2

4, Aldredge 1-3 0-2 0-0 2, Jackson 0-2 0-0 5-6 5, Williams 5-9 1-3 1-1 12, Carrier 0-2 0-2 0-00, Wallis 0-10-0 1-2 1, Davis 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Hogg 0-2 0-10-0 0, Adriaansz 1-2 0-0 1-2 3,Williams 2-5 0-0 0-0 4.

Upcoming ScheduleDec. 1 @ Western Michigan (Air Force Academy Tournament) 7:30 p.m.Dec. 2 TBA (Air Force Academy Tournament) TBADec. 6 @ Texas 7:00 p.m.

Men’s BasketballTues. Nov. 21

Texas-Pan American vs Texas-Arlington (Texas Hall, Arlington)

Texas-Pan American (4-1)Allgood 5-9 0-1 2-2 12, Lien 3-7 0-0 3-3 9, Stoll 1-3 0-2 1-1 3, Burrell 6-16 5-12 4-4 21,

Shankle 4-6 3-4 0-0 11, Edwards 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Chatman 0-2 0-2 0-0 0, Sheppard 0-2 0-0 0-00, Robinson 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Trader 5-7 0-0 3-4 13.

Texas-Arlington (3-3)Vereen 6-8 0-0 4-4 16, Posey 4-7 0-0 1-2 9, Griffin 9-11 0-0 3-5 21, Guignard 2-6 0-3 0-0

4, Epps 2-9 0-5 6-8 10, Henry 1-1 0-0 1-3 3, Hunter 4-4 0-0 0-0 8, Read 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Long2-6 1-3 0-0 5, Moffitt 0-3 0-0 0-0 0.

Upcoming ScheduleDec. 1 @ Iowa (Hawkeye Classic Tournament) 8:00 p.m.Dec. 2 @ LaSalle or Coppin State (Hawkeye Classic Tournament) TBADec. 6 @ Air Force Academy 7:00 p.m.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays sign major league pitching coachFormer Bronc, Houston Astro Hickey joins new club

Former Houston Astros pitching coach Jim Hickey signed on with the Tampa Bay Devil

Rays as their new pitching coach Nov. 18.

“Jim helped build a tradition of pitching excellence in Houston at both the minor and major

league level and we are excited to add him to the major league coaching staff,” said Andrew

Friedman, Tampa Bay’s executive vice president of baseball operations.

Hickey was part of the coaching staff that guided Houston to the World Series in 2005.

The pitching staff was among the best in the league, with three players in the top seven for

earned run average, fewest runs and fewest walks.

Hickey is a former pitcher with The University of Texas-Pan American. During his colle-

giate tenure, he was selected as a first team All-American in 1983. He helped the team set a

record for wins (64) and advance to the NCAA Central Regional Tournament.

The Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan

American men’s basketball team is off to

its best start in recent years. On Nov. 18

the Broncs improved to 4-0 on the year

at the expense of Southland Conference

foe Texas State University at Sam

William’s Court.

The Bobcat’s full court press and

aggressive inside play gave them an

early 12-6 lead over UTPA with just over

15 minutes left to play.

“Any time you play a pressing

team they are going to speed you up and

try to take you out of the things you want

to do,” head coach Tom Schuberth said.

With 13:55 showing on the clock

Brian Burrell drove to the baseline and

made good on a pull-up jumper.

Burrell’s hot hand netted him a cool 31

points on 12-of-21 shooting, including

6-of-12 from downtown.

“Just shooting, I don’t really think

about it. I just concentrate on the back of

the rim,” Burrell said.

The Broncs were up 38-33 at the

half after Burrell got loose and connect-

ed from the field.

The second half saw the Green and

Orange attack the Bobcat full court press

by sending players to the middle for out-

let passes. After breaking the Bobcat

press the Bronc’s passing found Zach

Trader alone in the low block for an easy

two leaving the score at 45-42 with

14:02 remaining.

The Broncs went to Trader for a

good portion of the second half. Trader’s

aggressiveness was rewarded with 18

trips to the free throw line where he con-

nected 14 attempts. The hard-nosed for-

ward added four rebounds to go along

with 16 points.

Texas State would not go down

without a fight. The Bobcats cut the

Bronc lead to three, 61-58, with 4:05

left to play. The next Bronc posses-

sions saw Trader sink four free throws

and Lien add two on a fast break for a

67-58 lead.

“Our guys focused. We said let’s do

what we can do well and that’s half court

defense. We focused on their shoot-

ers...we just made them earn everything.

It was a good team defensive win,”

Schuberth said.

The Broncs never looked back after

taking the lead and finished off the

Bobcats with a final score of 77-64.

On Nov. 22 the men tasted defeat

with a 76-69 road loss to The University

of Texas-Arlington Mavericks.

Against the Mavericks UTPA held

a 32-31 halftime lead but were unable to

finish off the Mavericks in the second

half.

The Broncs, who boast the top

ranked offense among Division I

Independents, had four players reach

double-digits in scoring. Burrell led the

Bronc attack with 21 points, Trader tal-

lied 13, Julius Allgood scored 12 and

Dexter Shankle chipped in with 11.

The Mavericks shot 54 percent from

the field connecting on 30-of-55 attempts

while UTPA made 46 percent of it’s field

goal attempts on 24-of-54 shots.

Jermaine Griffin led UTA with 21

points while Anthony Vereen added 16.

The Broncs pulled off a victory in

their re-match over UTA, 74-73, on

Monday at home and improved to 5-1.

The Broncs trailed all game and

were down by as many as 11 points with

10:16 remaining in the game. However

the Broncs stuck to their defensive plan

and continued to run their offense which

was led by Burrell’s 26 points.

“To be honest I don’t really know

how many points I’m scoring. I don’t

keep track,” Burrell said of his hot

hand.

With 2:03 left to play in the game

Lien recorded his ninth defensive

rebound of the night. The rebound led to

a quick bucket on the other end when

Trader kept the game open as he nailed a

sweet bank shot to tie the game at 73-73.

Lien ended the game with 10 points and

nine rebounds, one rebound shy of his

third double-double of the season.

Shankle took a charge with 42 sec-

onds left giving the Broncs momentum

and the ball with a chance to win, but

Trader got called for traveling when he

lifted his pivot foot under the hoop.

With 13 seconds left and time

winding down the Mavericks had a

chance to win the game but Jermain

Griffin missed for the Mavericks and

after a mad scramble Trader pulled the

rebound but a Maverick player reached

over his back with 0.1 seconds left.

Trader shot two for a chance to win the

game.

“Everybody just boxed out and we

didn’t let them get a second shot in,”

Trader said of the game’s last seconds.

The 1,116 people in attendance

were brought to their feet as Trader

made his way to the line. He calmly

sank the first, missed the second on

purpose and gave the Bronc basketball

band reason to play even louder.

The Thanksgiving break was no

gravy for The University of Texas-Pan

American Lady Broncs as they dropped

two straight games Friday and Saturday at

the CenturyTel Bobcat Classic in San

Marcos.

The Lady Broncs matched up against

the Bobcats from Texas State in the first

round of tournament play, falling short 62-

59. UTPA had several chances to take the

lead after a three-pointer by Hadley

Freeman put the Lady Broncs within one

but that was the closest they would get.

With 10 seconds left in regulation,

free throws were what edged the Bobcats

over UTPA. Texas State shot a dismal 26.1

percent from the field but free throws were

the determining factor in the loss, as the

Bobcats went 15 for 26 from the charity

stripe versus the Lady Broncs’ 6-of-13.

UTPA was led by newcomer

LeKeisha Gray, who finished with 15

points, eight rebounds and five steals.

Sophomore Robin Garrett added seven

points on 3-of-3 shooting.

Saturday the Lady Broncs were

unable to pull out a close victory against

Louisiana-Monroe, dropping the second

tournament game to the Warhawks, 55-51.

UTPA started off strong taking the

lead 7-5 in the opening minutes but

Louisiana-Monroe’s high-powered offense

put the Warhawks up 30-19 heading into

the locker room. The Lady Broncs fought

their way back in the second half but ULM

took advantage in the final minutes of reg-

ulation.

The Lady Broncs were sparked by

freshman Aleeya Grigsby but her efforts

would not be enough; she finished with a

game-high 17 points. The six-foot forward

was selected to the CenturyTel Bobcat

Classic All-Tournament Team. Senior for-

ward MaHogany Daniel notched her sec-

ond double-double of the season with 10

points and 10 rebounds.

On a side note, Grigsby became the

second player selected as the

Independent Newcomer of the Week on

Wednesday. Against Texas State, she

connected on nine of 23 shot attempts,

including two of three from behind the

arc and made five of nine free throws.

Grigsby is averaging 9.0 points and 4.7

rebounds per game in seven starts.

Guard Tamara Vaughn became the first

player in UTPA women’s basketball his-

tory to be selected as Independent Player

of the Week earlier in the year.

The Lady Broncs now 3-4 on the

season will try to break their three-game

skid on the road at the Air Force Academy

Tournament (Dec. 1-2). UTPA will be

back at the Field House on Dec. 10 for a

rematch against Texas State at 2 p.m.

Onydia Garza/The Pan American

Design By DA XIE

November 30, 2006 SPORTS

By KRISTYNA MANCIASThe Pan American

Lady Broncs hit rough waters over break

Broncs come up with victory at endBy ERICK QUINTEROThe Pan American

WALKING THE LINE - Foward Zach Trader won the game Tuesday night againstUniv. of Texas-Arlington with the score of 73-74. Zach made the deciding pointwith a free throw. His stats for free throws for the game was 4-5.

SPORTS Editor’s Pick: Game to Watch

Cowboys

Time: Noon

Giants

When: Dec. 3

Where: Giants StadiumGame will be aired on FOX

The gym is filled with electricity but

it’s not all coming from the court. Instead,

the stands are alive with the sound of

music. The University of Texas-Pan

American’s Bronc Basketball Band sits at

the center of the source.

“The purpose of the group is to sup-

port the basketball teams, encourage the

students and crowd to be involved in the

game, and play music,” said Pedro

Martinez, professor of music who is in

charge of the band.

Currently armed with 25 students,

Martinez hopes to expand the band

ensemble to 45-50 students, including a

drum line.

More players would mean more

noise. And noise is something the opposi-

tion does not want to hear during the

game. In the team’s recent one-point win

over UT-Arlington the band harassed the

Maverick bench constantly and enter-

tained the home crowd in the process.

“They’re our sixth man,” said men’s

basketball head coach Tom Schuberth of

the band members. “They give us an

opportunity to have an advantage when

we play in the arena and our guys have

adopted them as our sixth man.”

Senior center Colin Lien said the

band helps fuel the tempo and atmos-

phere in the Field House.

“The band gives us a lot of motiva-

tion. They’re real loud and obnoxious to

the other team. It brings out a better

atmosphere and makes more people want

to come,” said the 6-foot-11 Lien.

Schuberth and his players have been

very grateful toward the band.

“After each game, we go up and

acknowledge them and thank them for

spending their time and effort. They’re

very entertaining and the crowd really

gets into them,” he said.

The UTPA band plays the standard

yet popular tunes that can be heard at

football games, such as the school fight

song or alma mater. However, anyone is

invited to write or arrange any piece of

music for performance, as long as it is

approved by Martinez.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for

music students,” said junior psychology

Tom Cagle.

Cagle, who minors in music, said

being able to provide pieces for the band

helps to showcase the university’s music

department.

“This can give them a chance to

show off their skills and show what they

have learned in class,” Cagle said. “Not

only is this a great opportunity, but it is a

way to get fresh new talent into the com-

munity, as well as boost your university

lifestyle and status in ways that matter.”

Martinez and the band want their

efforts to make home games more enjoy-

able and encourage the basketball teams

in their play. The next women’s game at

the Field House is Dec. 10 while the next

men’s home game is Dec. 18.

“We would like to impact the cam-

pus, student body, and the community by

providing a more exciting atmosphere in

which to attend the games all while sup-

porting our basketball teams,” Martinez

said.

Anyone with questions, comments

or interest in joining the UTPA Bronc

Basketball Band can contact Pedro

Martinez at the music department at (956)

316-7134 or by e-mail at

[email protected]. Experience with an

instrument is preferred.

By SAVANNAH MARTINEZThe Pan American

Pep band brings spiritto home games

Ony

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Layout by: Rick Gamez

november 30, 2006

Documents

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pan americansnursing