May 4, 2017 Volume 87 Issue 12
ILLUSTRATION BY DESTINY KRANTHOVEN
SUCCESS IS...making it to graduation Speaker to tell graduates: make the most of your life By JALYNN VINSON Ranger Reporter
When the Spring 2017 commencement speaker, Mugisha Aime, walks up to the podium on May 12, it will mark the end of a journey that began in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Africa. Aime, an engineering major, was born in Rwanda, Africa; but his family fled as violence, disease, starvation and government corruption ravaged their home during Africa’s civil wars. Aime’s family found refuge in Tanzani, where living in the camp brought many hardships. For Aime, the greatest challenge was not being able to go to school.
MUGISHA AIME
“Getting an education is important to us, but during the time we were in Tanzania, it was not easy to obtain,” he said. “With the war, we were deprived of the opportunity. Even if we could go to school, we could not afford it because of the expense. This made it seem as if getting an education was impossible.”
College adopts flexible new slogan focused on success By CRISTINA GOMEZ Ranger Reporter
Amarillo College has a new slogan replacing “Start here, go anywhere,” with “Success is...” The idea has been in development since January. It is now being incorporated on every AC campus. Recently, signs have started popping up bearing the phrase, “Success is summer at AC,” emphasizing upcoming summer classes. Kevin Ball, Panhandle PBS general manager, helped develop the new slogan. “We began by paying attention to the mission of the college, which is a 70 percent completion rate by 2020, and then boiling it down to something more personal.” “We’re hoping that everyone understands that they have to make up their minds about what success is to them. Everyone wants to aspire to success. It’s fundamentally about helping students in any way we can. Our main goal is to get students to be
successful,” Ball said. The simple slogan can adapt to a wide variety of needs and situations, which is something Yessenia Gomez, a pre-nursing student, said she likes. “I love how personal and inclusive it is. It really can be individualized to every student, which I think goes great with the broad spectrum of students AC houses,” Gomez said. Students and staff can expect to see the new slogan used in a wide variety of settings. “We’re going to take that to many different places. It’s going to really be incorporated in everything that you see. Doesn’t have to be too lofty. Success is finishing a class, finding a good parking spot, winning an award. Virtually anything you need it to be,” Ball said. AC officials plan to keep the new motto at least until the year 2020. “We’re anticipating three years but it will morph along with the school,” Ball said.
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Aime said he cherished every opportunity to attend classes. “My parents managed with what little finances they had to send me to school for a short amount of time. During that time I learned a little bit of English; however, due to the expense and the war, my education was cut short.” Aime’s family immigrated to America in 2010 when he was 13. After graduating from high school, he came to AC in the summer of 2015. Aime said he quickly became accustomed to homework and assignments, but unlike in high school where he concentrated only on studying, he also became involved in college activities. That’s where his life changed.
While at AC, Aime has been a Blue Blazer; a math tutor and a member of Student Government, Mu Alpha Theta, the engineering club, ACES, Kappa Chi, the physics club and Phi Theta Kappa. He was also nominated to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 2016-2017. He said he has found himself being the most involved student, which has paved the way for many opportunities. Being involved in AC activities and organizations has helped him grow as a person, Aime said. Reem Witherspoon; a math, sciences and engineering instructor; has watched Aime in action in the Math
Outreach Center. “I have had the opportunity to work with Mugisha very closely and observe his interaction with students and other tutors. His peers find him enthusiastic, very inspiring and motivating. Students described him as knowledgeable, caring and very encouraging. Witherspoon described Aime as a role model and an inspiration to his friends and siblings. “Despite all the obstacles, Mugisha managed to graduate top 10 percent from Pala Duro high school. His commitment and determination to a better future made success his only option.”
campus so they don’t have to drive across town just to get a coffee fix. “I think it benefits them in a better way, because most students end up going off campus to get coffee or they’ll drive a mile or so to go get coffee,” Isaac Ortega, a recording arts major, said. “With it being closer, it will probably be easier for them to get their type of coffee in the morning.” When Palace moves into the Badger Den, students
will notice another change. The vending machines in the Badger Den will be moved to new locations across campus, which will be determined by the vending machine company, Steve Smith, the vice president of academic affairs, said. “Having a competing company in our space wouldn’t be acceptable in or agreement. They will be moved outside of the Badger Den.” Amarillo College’s Palace location will be open when students return for the fall
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Palace coffee soon to brew By LIZ MOORE & RYAN COTTEN Ranger Reporters
In just a few short months, Amarillo College will have its very own coffee shop in the Badger Den on the Washington Street campus. Patrick Burns, owner of Palace Coffee, said he’s excited to bring the Palace atmosphere to AC with construction starting this summer. The AC Palace will provide students with an opportunity to caffeinate during those long study sessions and provide a comfortable studying atmosphere. Burns said has put everything into this coffee shop, focusing on bringing a “wonderful coffee experience” to the Amarillo area. “We believe in what Amarillo College is doing,” Burns said. “We think that they have a fantastic vision for the community, a great vision for the students and we want to go in there and help with that.” Students said they’re excited to have a coffee shop on
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