September 23, 2010 by UTRGV Student Media

Volume 67, No. 4

THE PAN AMERICAN

September 23, 2010

DREAM Act hits home Student tells how he ‘fell in love with the United States.’

Page 3 Page 2 - Big business Roxann Garciamight on have packed their bags, but cartel they never left wars

Page SGA 3 - Jobs after New leaders graduation becoming scarce take the reins

Mexican history: Page 11 - Holiday gift guide How much do we know?

Los quewith tendrá que Pageretos 14 - Q&A volleyball player Rebecca Toddy en los enfrentar Calderón próximos 2 años

Solid showing for cross-country teams

September 23, 2010

Commentary

Vol. 67, No. 4

Drug war and immigration mix-up Recent slaying of Mexican journalist brings mixed reactions on both sides of the border

According to CNN.com, the watchdog g r o u p Committee to Protect Roxann Garcia Journalists News Editor reports 22 journalists have been murdered since President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa took ofﬁce in December 2006, at least eight in direct reprisal for reporting on crime and corruption. The report stated that three media support workers have been slain and at least seven other journalists have gone missing during this period. In addition, dozens of journalists have been attacked, kidnapped or forced into exile. In every article related to border violence it is noted read that it’s all related to a crackdown imposed by Calderon at the beginning of his administration, with violence due to the ongoing drug cartel wars resulting in more than 28,000 deaths since December 2006. And you’re interested in what my opinion may be? The facts are laid out for you. People are dying and in my

chosen profession. Hope seems to be inserting the text into Google dwindling. Times are tough but we’re Translate, I was able to ﬁnally read not in the middle of a war zone. Our the whole thing instead of bits from assorted news sites. neighbors down South are. The whole thing tugs at my What’s worse is the drug culture is only becoming increasingly fueled heartstrings. People performing the job that I’ve longed by the demand and for most of my consumption that life are resorting seems to inhabit this region and “ Many of us complain to asking those in charge (in this case others. Many of us complain about about the violence that is the drug cartels) the violence that occurring next door but what is required of them. is occurring next They state that door but how many how many of us are taking they are not able to of us are taking part in the drug war itself, do their job with the part in the drug war itself, whether whether it be direct or in- increasing violence pressed upon it be direct or directly? ” them. The article indirectly? also notes that the The Mexican editorial is not public are becoming surrender, but rather desperate. a plea for a truce. In response to What pisses me off about the the slaying of a 21-year-old journalist last week, El Diario newspaper in whole thing is that when reading the Ciudad Juarez published a Page One article on CNN.com, one is subject to editorial on Sunday that begs the comments posted by other readers and question of the cartels, “What do you somehow they’ve seemed to get the idea twisted. want from us?” Chubbygob69 posts, “We have After locating the article and

enough resources to stop illegal immigration but those assets won’t be deployed any time soon thanks to illegal alien sympathizers in our government and in our society.” Wait a minute, come again? Did you just disregard a human life because there wasn’t an American ﬂag stamped to their forehead? Now, that’s silly. That’s stupid. But then again with a screen name like that… And when did this turn into an immigration issue? A journalist who was doing his job died while doing so and we somehow have arrived at the subject of illegal aliens? Right now there may be a split decision and set of preferences when it comes to immigration in our country. Take for example those who are affected directly by the DREAM Act or the possible Birthright Citizenship Act. But does this constitute prejudice against people in a foreign country? Maybe my feelings are strong because I am a Mexican American and proud to be one. But as a human being I ﬁnd compassion a necessity in this world. Get off your high horse, America.

Illustrated Commentary

THE PAN AMERICAN 1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 The Pan American is the ofﬁcial student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reﬂect those of the paper or university.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Kristen Cabrera kmcabrera22@gmail.com NEWS EDITOR: Roxann Garcia roxx.gar11@gmail.com ONLINE/SPANISH EDITOR: Denisse Salinas dns_145@hotmail.com ARTS & LIFE EDITOR: Benny Salinas 9_benny_9@live.com SPORTS EDITOR: Sara Hernandez shernandez261@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Alma E. Hernandez alma.e.hdz@gmail.com SENIOR DESIGNER: Jennifer Tate jen489@gmail.com DESIGNERS: Alexis Carranza alexis091@aol.com ADVISER: Dr. Greg Selber selberg@utpa.edu ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE: Anita Reyes areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER: Mariel Cantu spubs@utpa.edu WEBMASTER: Jose Villarreal josemvillarrealcs@gmail.com

Delivery

Thursday at noon Letters to the Editor

Elias Moran/THE PAN AMERICAN

The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. We reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. We cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all story ideas to thepanamerican@gmail.com. Individuals with disabilities wishing to acquire this publication in an alternative format or needing assistance to attend any event listed can contact The Pan American for more details.

September 23, 2010

UTPA student struggles with DREAM By Kristen Cabrera The Pan American Some people spend more time scanning the headlines and watching CNN than others, usually because they have a vested interest in how current political events turn out. In the case of one UTPA student, this has been a particularly difficult week, as he has watched Congress put the stops to a piece of legislation that would have made his life a whole lot easier. Josse Alex Garrido has been closely following the progress of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, a proposed bill that has led an uneven career in the Congress. It would allow over 700,000 undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship after six years of temporary status, provided they are high school graduates who make a two-year commitment to college or the military. The bill fell short in the Senate Tuesday, amid much uproar from Democrats and especially American Latinos. For Garrido, who publicly disclosed his status as an undocumented immigrant recently as a way to raise consciousness about the issue, the result has not stemmed his fight to some day become a citizen. Nine years ago he came to a foreign land, but today, he calls it simply “home.” THE BACKGROUND Garrido entered this country against his wishes as a petrified 13-year-old boy. His father felt it would be safer for his family of four to live in the United States. “Originally I didn’t want to come here,” the 22-year-old said. “I was terrified because my friends would tell me how (the U.S.) was very bad, and in Mexico there was always stories on the news about how badly they treat (Mexican immigrants) in the United States.”

“It isn’t really a big deal for me. I don’t really follow politics but I can’t understand why immigration is such a big deal. If people want to be here, they should.”

Russel Slayton Junior biology major

“If it’s better for the country than why not? People need a chance to better themselves.”

Melissa Garcia Senior English major

Garrido’s family originally put their future in the hands of an attorney who turned out to be a fraud. Fake documents that the parents unknowingly filled out were useless and expensive. Despite this, his family decided to stay and settled in Mission. Garrido graduated from Sharyland High School in the top 10 percent of his class, but soon after, his family found out that they were under investigation; this led to the eventual detainment of his father, who unknowingly signed voluntary deportation papers. His father was deported in 2007 and a younger brother, a minor, was recently deported. His mother voluntarily left with her younger son and U.S.-born 6-year-old daughter. Throughout all this, Garrido chose to stay, but that means that he is now next in line for deportation. THE RATIONALE In the face of the deterioration of his family, Garrido stayed, recalling that even though he had once heard horror stories about el Norte, “I fell in love with the United States.” He was in the middle of his sophomore year and didn’t want to leave. “I decided to stay because I wanted to go to college,” he said. He enrolled at UTPA under Senate Bill 1528, which allows undocumented students to attend any university in the state of Texas and pay in-state tuition. Now he’s in his last semester, double majoring in psychology and philosophy. Though his ultimate goal is to attend law school, coming up with the money is yet another problem harkening back to immigration status. “Many students who are citizens can apply for FASFA and Federal Financial Aid but I can’t,” he said. “Scholarships are few, they are available to citizens first and then they allow students in my situation to be able to receive them. The Texas Grant helps but even then I cannot have a job or request a job…it’s hard

“I think they should pass this bill. People want to make something of themselves but they need the opportunity to do so legally.”

Jose De La Cruz Sophomore nursing major

“I think it’s OK. They’re paying the same tuition we are. Everyone deserves a chance as long as they aren’t bumming off the system.”

Steven Trevino Junior pre-dental major

Alejandra Moreno/The Pan American

Dream Act - UTPA student Josse Alex Garrido explains the DREAM Act at last Friday’s SGA meeting. with all the extra college expenses.” Garrido did household work and cut yards among other odd jobs, in order to make enough to sustain rent and buy books. He also got support from his family who would send money from Mexico whenever possible.

THE DREAMS His love for a country he can’t officially call home yet is a familiar plight, one he shares with more than 600 UTPA students. The number of people in this boat led Garrido to out himself. He wants to bring awareness to the circumstances that surround the UTPA community and hit very close to home. “I highly recommend for (undocumented students) to speak out to their friends to come out literally, because the more people know how its going to impact society the better,” he said. Garrido also believes that by bringing his situation out in the open he can connect with those who are not affected directly by the DREAM Act but might know someone who is. “If you see that your friends could be affected by this legislation and they can actually benefit and fulfill the dream of becoming a law abiding citizen then by all means do that, do something,” he explained. “I’m trying to be both an example and motivation “It’s awesome but there are way for those students to too many restrictions on it. We come out.” know a lot of people that wouldn’t qualify for the DREAM act. It Despite the fact also sucks that it got attached to that Congress halted the defense bill in order to get the DREAM Act’s the conservative vote. A lot of the freedom they get isn’t real freedom momentum Tuesday, because of the restrictions. It’s, in Garrido is still hopeful fact, a form of slavery.” for November. Victoria Garza “I am doing Non-student everything I can to Pete Rodriguez tell my friends to Junior anthropology major call their senators,” he explained. “The DREAM Act will

effect a lot of students I’m not the only one…there are millions and million of people who will have positive benefits from this all over the nation.” Like most students who would be affected by the legislation Garrido wishes to not be punished for the crimes of his parents. Being brought up in the land of the free makes it impossible for him to want to live anywhere else. “I did not make a conscious decision to be here, it was my parents that brought me here when I was a minor and as a minor I fell in love with the United States,” he noted. “When I was 18 and able to get into college and I just kept going with the dream, it’s all I know. I recognize this is my home and the reason I want to stay here is because I want to contribute, I want to be one of its contributing citizens.” THE OPPOSITION As for those opposed to the DREAM Act, Garrido said he keeps an open mind about them and their views. But he definitely stands firm in his self-identification. “I see their point, I more or less try to understand where they are coming from,” he said. “I came here to the United States as a minor I had the best years of my life in the United States, I think that I am as American as anyone else.” One misconception that Garrido notes is the belief that undocumented immigrants do not pay taxes. He’s determined to break that notion. “I pay my taxes, even though I’m not a citizen, I have to pay taxes,” he said. “And I’m happy to do it. I absolutely do not complain about it. I have a tax identification number, which is something the IRS gives you when you are not a citizen and don’t have a Social Security card. So that I can pay taxes.” Garrido said he works just as hard as any of his friends, and his 3.7 GPA is testament to that. “I am not a burden to this country,” he offered. “They think they are poor people who drug themselves and only think they are doing crimes,

and I think they have a very wrong misconception about it. I think they horribly misinformed. We can be a great contribution. “I think I would be a great asset to this nation because I am very passionate and I have demonstrated it. I do not have a criminal record; I do not even have a ticket.” Though Garrido said he knows that there always people who try to ruin opportunities for others, but argues that part of the DREAM Act’s purpose is to reward moral character and those students who genuinely want to try. Garrido has received threatening e-mails and been harassed by those who oppose the DREAM Act and also Garrido’s personal story. Despite the setback this week in terms of the legislation, the Bronc student reiterates that he will not give up hope. “I think that education is the answer to solve all the problems of society,” he said. “And by them denying those students who are willing to commit fully I think they are making a big mistake. I don’t know how anyone can be opposed to education.” There is also a local campaign on Facebook called “I am a UTPA Student and I support the DREAM Act,” where students can ‘like’ and add to their profile. A rally in support of the Act is planned for Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. in front of the University Chapel. Meanwhile, the center of controversy, a young man who was featured in The Monitor earlier in the week, soldiers on. “I think that it is more important what you actually do, than what has been done in the past,” Garrido said. “I think that what you do actually speaks louder than any other action. Because I fell in love with the United States. I grew up here and I recognize the impact the United States has had on me. The things I have learned and received, I recognize this country more as my place, my house than Mexico… Because Mexico? I can’t even remember it.”

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September 23, 2010

NEWS

Faculty concerns have an outlet with PAUF By Pamela Morales The Pan American

Last Friday, a group of professors attended a casual dinner for a meet and greet of new and old members joining the Pan American United Faculty. Because the organization, also known as PAUF, is composed of faculty and professional staff throughout campus, members rarely get to get hang out and discuss important issues. But the camaraderie is still present. The dinner was held to break the ice and begin a new agenda for the year. PAUF is a local branch of the Texas Faculty Association, which works with the Texas State Teachers Association and the National Education Association; it is independent of UTPA and was

created in the 1980s with current vice president James Aldridge, professor of psychology, as one of its ﬁrst members. “[It] represents the interests of UTPA faculty and the teaching profession,” Aldridge said. “In the same way that medical associations represent the interests of physicians and bar associations represent the interests of attorneys.” PAUF meets intermittently throughout the year for social gatherings and talk about needs and wants of both professors and students; the fruits of discussion are eventually brought up at a meeting held once a year in Austin with TSTA and NEA. Current president Mark Winkel, professor in social psychology, said meetings are made to enable faculty

voice concerns and opinions on matters they deem important such as wages, unfair treatment, and lobbying for expenses such as grants for both professors and students. “Benefits that accrue from PAUF include providing a professional work environment that is conducive to a collegial atmosphere,” Winkel explained. “And by providing support and feedback to our local state legislators concerning issues related to higher education, such as student tuition, faculty salaries and benefits, and higher education working conditions that allow the local academic community to attract highly qualified and valuable educators.” They are 145 members in PAUF and any professor is able to join without any restrictions. Peter Farrugio,

professor in the College of Education, joined two years ago because of traditional values he learned at age 16. “I come from regions of the U.S. that have real union traditions, where, for example, even teachers sometimes go on strike,” explained Farrugio. “I believe that workers in Texas should overcome their anti-union brainwashing to form real unions and challenge the antiunion laws, like, for example the prohibitions against strikes. The advantage of a faculty organization at UTPA as an institution is that PAUF can advocate in an organized manner for better policies, and for more funding, in the interests of both faculty and students.” Although PAUF works closely with the Faculty Senate in trading and discussing ideas, the Senate seeks

support from the university and work mostly on academic polices, whereas PAUF is supported by state and national organizations and is focused mainly on job-related concerns. One of the measures Farrugio has worked with is “grievances against unfair scheduling practices that created large class sizes and inconvenient meeting times with students.” He says that these burdens have affected research time. He has also represented other colleagues in grievances against administrators “who threatened to ﬁre them because they were too outspoken in faculty meetings, and because they openly disagreed with other professors who were friends of the administrators.” Aldridge also adds that PAUF is most valuable when faculty members need help with resources beyond those available within the university.

New SGA leaders seek to connect with student body By Roxann Garcia The Pan American With the new semester’s beginning come new events for the Student Government Association on campus. Headed by Alex Rodriguez as president and Mark Allen as vice president, the group is looking forward to a new start. “We can build a great team for the new year,” Rodriguez said. “Each of us can make a difference working with the senators and other people on campus by getting involved.” The biggest event the association is preparing for this semester is the 6th annual State of the Student Body address scheduled for Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre. Rodriguez, along with President Robert Nelsen, is expected to address the student body about the role SGA will have for the upcoming semester. Students, faculty and staff are expected to attend the event along with the

newest deans added to the university, David H. Allen of Engineering and Computer Science and John Miller Trant of Science and Mathematics. A reception is expected to follow. The association collaborated with the University Program Board to schedule the address during Spirit Week. Rodriguez, a business management major anticipating graduation in 2011, notes this is the ﬁrst time SGA will do so. “We feel great to be working together in meeting one of our main goals, which is to engage with our student body,” said the Harlingen native, who won the election back in April and replaced Raghuveer Puttagunta as president. “We’re very excited because this year it will be in the middle of Spirit Week and we’re looking forward to including many more students.” This semester SGA plans to strongly promote campus life committees and council positions. The association is no

stranger to complaints about a need to become more active in decision-making policies, such as the recent rustle with the parking situation in lots B and B-1 for faculty, staff, students and residents. Rodriguez and Mark Allen both strongly encourage students to take an active role and be part of the processes. “We are looking for students that can improve the college experience for UTPA students,” the president said. “There are many vacancy positions and this is the opportunity to voice out concerns as well as contributing to improvements.” Rodriguez and Allen, a 21-yearold social studies composite major from Fort Worth, both stressed the importance of students becoming involved and occupying committee positions. There are well over 50 available positions according to the SGA website. Vacancies include seats on the Student Organizations committee, Food Advisory, Residence Advisory, Student Affairs, Student

Financial Aid, and also the Student Health Advisory committee. “Duties include attending meetings and providing student input,” Allen said. “This will allow the different segments of the university to communicate better, which goes a long way.” The association encourages students to voice questions and concerns at campus forums, which are held throughout each month. The next one is today during the noon hour at the College of Education and College of Science and Engineering lobbies. “There needs to be a stronger

student representation when it comes to decisions that directly affect us like the recent parking issues for one,” Rodriguez stressed. SGA recently updated its website (sga.utpa.edu) where students can ﬁnd more information on how to get involved, including application forms for senatorial positions as well as campus life committees and councils positions. “There’s many things that we (SGA) would like to do but there just isn’t enough time,” Rodriguez said. “The most important goal is just to encourage participation.”

Alejandra Moreno/THE PAN AMERICAN

SGA BUSINESS - Left: SGA President Alex Rodriguez, leads an SGA meeting, Friday Sept. 17. Right: Rebekah Sepulveda engages in a conversation with Rodriguez at Friday’s SGA meeting.

September 23, 2010

NEWS

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Environmental journalist speaks her mind By Alejandra Martinez The Pan American

Freddie Martinez/THE PAN AMERICAN

ASK THE EXPERT - Distinguished Speaker P. Simran Sethi signs autographed posters after her speech on campus Wednesday.

P. Simran Sethi never took a course of journalism in her life. She learned by doing. This is what she told students, faculty and staff at The University of Texas-Pan American last night when she kicked off the 7th season of the Distinguished Speakers Series. The award-winning journalist and sustainability expert talked about the importance of the environment and what people can do to make this a better place to live. Sethi, a long-time reporter in multiple venues and now an educator, talked at the Fine Arts Auditorium about how people tend to think of the environment as a distant issue that does not affect their daily lives. Things like ice caps melting, gas emissions, and polar bears struggling don’t seem to worry people that much because they don’t have an immediate connection to home. She noted that the environment is also not a top priority in the government’s list of concerns, as opposed to the economy, health care, or the war on terrorism. So how does the environment connect to these things, she asked. “Everything that we care about, everything we love, everything we wear and do exists in this ecosystem,” she said. Sustainability is a term that brings all those things closer to home, she stressed. It’s not just about shopping differently. It’s about

University efforts at sustainability gain momentum under Franklin’s guidance working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to start a summer nature camp for middle-school students. The goal is to introduce them to different types of environmental careers the university has to offer, and help kids The Office of Sustainability at UTPA is understand their environment and how to live currently working with the sustainably. marketing department to launch “What we’re trying to do a series of campaigns to create here is not just for us, it’s awareness on campus and with for the entire community,” the outside community. “The sustainability Franklin said. There are also ongoing The Energy Conservation talks with deans from UTPA program looks to form a committee has installed colleges with the purpose of lighting retrofits in five close relationship with the buildings on campus to incorporating sustainabilityrelated courses into the surrounding communities. help save on the cost of curriculum. electricity. These savings “The sustainability What weʼre trying to do will go into retrofitting program looks to form a more buildings. here is not just for us, itʼs close relationship with the In regard to Simran Sethi, the surrounding communities,” said first lecturer of the 2010-2011 for the entire community.” Marianella Franklin, manager Distinguished Speakers Series, of campus sustainability. Franklin said she’s excited The office is also working about the journalist coming to closely with students to maintain speak Wednesday because it a successful recycling program. Marianella Franklin will create awareness within UTPA has had an operational the community. Campus sustainability one since 2005 and currently “She covers sustainability recycles paper, cardboard, used at a global level, which is very motor oil, printer cartridges, important because every little and scrap metal. thing we do here is not just Two of the sustainability impacting our region,” Franklin office committees, covering Health and Wellness said. “We need to understand that sustainability is and Landscape and Grounds, are currently encompassing our entire planet.” By Alejandra Martinez The Pan American

protecting natural resources and developing communities in a way that is socially and economically sustainable. “We all deserve access to clean water, clean air and clean soil. The environment is everything,” she said. “To preserve what we care about, we have to do more than we are doing.” She said that the Valley, one of the fastest growing areas in the country, is at an advantage because of its proximity to the border and its close relationship to Mexico. When it comes to resources, borders are artiﬁcial. Everyone shares the air, water and soil. She also noted that college students could make a big impact in the world, saying, “You are the future of this nation.” Sethi asked students to think about the legacy they would like to leave and the kind of world they want for future generations. “Sustainability is about balancing the needs between making a living, earning money, making a proﬁt,” she explained. “It’s about caring for communities, caring for each other, and supporting people.” According to Sethi, natural resources are a necessity, not a luxury. Going green is not all about quick tips like changing light bulbs, although that does help. People need to think about the big picture, she said. “There are so many opportunities here to save what we care about. As soon as we start to understand that we all need to be able to make a living,” Sethi said “But we also have to make

sure that we don’t destroy our natural resources to a point where we are not able to live at all.” Sethi, who is of Indian descent, received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and women’s studies from Smith College and an MBA in sustainable business from the Presidio Graduate School. She received the Smith College Medal in 2009 for professional achievements and service to the community. She also received the Leader in Sustainability award from Kansas University, where she currently teaches a course called “Media and the Environment.” She has contributed segments to “Nightly News” with Brian Williams, CNBC, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Today Show,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Martha Stewart Show,” and the History Channel. The decision to bring her to campus was based on student desire to hear a sustainability expert who would complement ongoing efforts at the university to become a greener place, said Edna Zambrano, director of the Student Union. The other Series speakers are: global political economist Parag Khanna on Oct. 11; David Gergen, senior political analyst for CNN and former presidential advisor on Feb. 23; and Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, author and host of PBS program NOVA Science NOW on March 28. For more information contact the Student Union at (956) 665-7989.

HERE WE GO AGAIN? Solutions to parking situation for upcoming HESTEC are promising By Roxann Garcia The Pan American The university just thought the recent faculty/staff parking fracas had died down. With Hispanic, Engineering, Science, and Technology Week beginning Monday bringing its huge annual crowds, spaces will be even harder to come by. But the university has been proactive in offering solutions. Since its inception nearly a decade ago, HESTEC has become a national model for promoting science and technology careers, as it seeks to help South Texas students excel in those areas. The surrounding community is encouraged to join in on seminars and activities planned by campus coordinators, and every year, tens of thousands do come to campus., making for busy traffic and parking difficulty for regular campus community members. With the added influx of visitors during the weeklong event, the administration and police, buffeted by the August storm over parking, have sprung into action with the university’s biggest annual show on tap. The flow of solutions to the problem promises to ease the traffic flow for HESTEC. On Monday only, the university will close off the “U” lots on the East side of Miguel Nevarez Drive to students, facul-

ty and staff on campus; it will be reserved for those attending HESTEC events. An off-campus shuttle bus will be provided to pick up and drop off students, faculty and staff at various locations surrounding UTPA from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 30-minute intervals. The pickup/dropoff locations, which will also include areas for added parking, include Wal-Mart on the corner of Sugar and University Drive, Edinburg City Hall on West University Drive, and Region One on West Schunior. In the notice sent out through the office of President Robert Nelsen, it was noted that the specified drop-off location for all HESTEC visitors will be the UTPA Field House. On Tuesday thru Thursday, parking lot G-3 in front of the ITT building will be blocked off for HESTEC events from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Career Expo, scheduled for Friday, will result in four parking rows in lot F on the Northeast side of the Field House being closed off from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Approximately 90 spaces will be blocked off, the notice confirmed. That’s the way it works for such an important event. The University Police Department advises all students to take note of posted signage in each parking lot Monday morning.

THE PAN AMERICAN

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September 23, 2010

THE PAN AMERICAN

September 23, 2010

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Meet Your Coaches

What do you like the most about being a collegiate coach? I enjoy helping student-athletes to learn how to balance academics and competitiveness on and off the court while they learn independence. I take a lot of pride guiding them. What’s your favorite sport aside from tennis? Baseball, I played baseball all growing up. It was my ﬁrst love. What’s your favorite book? “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren If you weren’t a coach, what would you like to be? My passion has always been to own a minor-league baseball team. A tip for success? Strive for perfection and deﬁne perfection as giving everything that you have, giving everything on the court and doing everything in your hands.

x xx o Ofelia Lopez o Golf

What do you like the most about being a collegiate coach? First, I love volleyball and love that I get to be around it everyday in its truest form. I enjoy being in a position where I have the ability to be apart of the decision making that goes on within our sport with the changes and growth that is forever taking place, even if it is a small part. I enjoy the relationships that I am able to form with my athletes and their families, the opportunity to be apart of young women’s life during a crucial growing period, and hopefully be apart of who they eventually become.

What do you like the most about being a collegiate coach? Deﬁnitely the relationship with your student athletes and the coaching staffs. There’s a unique camaraderie that comes down with being in a college athletic department. It’s rewarding to see when seniors move on and where they go.

What’s your favorite sport aside from volleyball? Basketball.

If you weren’t a coach, what would you like to be? A sports columnist, talk-radio or game commentator…work in the sports media. A tip for success? I learned from my parents that if you’re passionate, have work ethic and never let anything get in your way - as well as being a goodhearted person and build strong relationships - you’ll do well.

o Dave Hartman Track & Field

What’s your favorite sport aside from golf? Basketball. I used to play it up to middle school and I was good at it.

What’s your favorite sport aside from track and ﬁeld/cross country? Bicycling.

A tip for success? Nobody can take away that degree from you. Be a student ﬁrst, success isn’t just on the golf course, it’s about you carry yourself and the type of person you are.

What’s your favorite book? “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom.

If you weren’t a coach, what would you like to be? I would be a managing consultant.

What do you like the most about being a collegiate coach? Having motivated young men and women on a daily basis makes my job both challenging and fun.

If you weren’t a coach, what would you like to be? Play professional and be the next Nancy Lopez.

What’s your favorite sport aside from basketball? I like to watch football and I like to play baseball.

What’s your favorite book? Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.

What do you like the most about being a collegiate coach? You get to help young adults to reach their goals; you get to teach them little lessons through golf and through competition.

What’s your favorite book? The “Twilight” series by Stephenie Meyer.

Ryan Marks Men's Basketball

Angela Hubbard Volleyball

Chris Taylor Tennis

What’s your favorite book? “The Complete Works of Shakespeare.” If you weren’t a coach, what would you like to be? I would like to do whitewater rafting. A tip for success? Balance what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at and follow that for as long as you can.

Manny Mantrana Baseball What do you like the most about being a collegiate coach? You get to make a difference in the life of your players, you get them as 17- or 18-year-old kids and develop them so once they get out of the program they’re 22 or 23. The biggest thing I enjoy is the change that you see when they come in as freshmen to when they leave as seniors. What’s your favorite sport aside from baseball? Every college sport especially football and basketball. What’s your favorite book? “The Bible.” If you weren’t a coach, what would you like to be? I always wanted to be an anesthesiologist. A tip for success? Never second-guess yourself on whether you can do something or not. If you believe in yourself, you work hard, you’re enthusiastic and you make good choices whatever you decide will come into effect.

Denny Downing Women's Basketball What do you like the most about being a collegiate coach? The difference you get to make in the ladies’ life. What’s your favorite sport aside from basketball? Football. What’s your favorite book? I Never Played the Game by Howard Cosell. If you weren’t a coach, what would you like to be? I’d be a high-school administrator. A tip for success? Stay focused, stay the course; you’re going to have peaks and valleys, but stay focused on your goals.

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