The Prairie, Vol. 94 No. 13

the

Prairie

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011

The sTudenT newspaper of wesT Texas a&M universiTy

Partly Cloudy 25°F | 16°F

Volume 94, Issue XIII theprairiewt

the_prairie

www.theprairienews.com

Follow us online

Financial crisis creates Twelve junior colleges attend talking points at WTAMU livestock contest on campus ashLey hendriCk sTaff wriTer

S

tudents met with business professionals in the WTAMU Legends Lounge on Nov. 30 for the Global Financial Crisis seminar to discuss the crisis’s impact on global and local scales.

“It’s very important that we discuss these things and understand what’s happening,” Dr. James Owens, WT department head of accounting, economics and finance, said to the crowd of students.

Students diligently took notes as business and finance professionals explained and analyzed the financial crisis that has caused a firestorm of economic debate all over the world.

One of these professionals, Dr. Dale Duhan, professor of Business at Texas Tech University, explained most of the financial problems today are caused by people spending more money than they have, leading to debt.

“A lot of the problems that we’re seeing around the world, whether it’s currency issues and national environments or local issues like the housing markets…they’re rooted in the grow-

ing popularity of living beyond your means,” he said.

Dr. Owens took a more global perspective on the issue and raised facts about how deep in debt the United States is compared to other countries. According to Dr. Owens, Ireland owes 95 percent of its gross domestic product, while Italy sits on 119 percent and Greece hovers around 143 percent. The bigger the percentage, the larger the debt.

“Before you get too proud,” Dr. Owens said. “The United States, as of this morning, cleared 100 percent.

We now owe more then we earn in a year.”

Even though most of the seminar focused on the world’s economic atmosphere, Pat Ware, vice president of Amarillo National Bank, evaluated the issue on a more local level.

“The one thing that’s hurting us is the drought,” Ware said. “Since we’re not getting water from above, we’re looking toward our aquifer and water has become the most important topic among all of our farming, ranching, dairy and feed yard customers.”

Crisis story continued on p. 3

“The great thing about livestock judging, is that it’s a learning activity giving students limited information, making a decision, and defending that decision in a convincing way,” said David Lust, a WT Animal Science professor and contest superintendent. “It’s a fantastic skill set that’s transferable to anything you do in life.”

ryan sChaap sTaff wriTer

O

n Dec. 3, WTAMU hosted the Junior College Livestock Contest. The contest helps prepare junior college students for larger competitions as well as having the opportunity to recruit new students to WT. Twelve junior colleges attended the contest from six different states, consisting of around 150 contestants. The grand champion was Redland Community College in Oklahoma.

The first part of the contest consists of the students judging groups of four animals or classes to rank the animals that have the most desirable characteristics. There is an official committee that also ranks the animals so that the students can be scored based on how they compare to the committee. The second part of the contest is a two-minute oral presentation where students give reasons why they picked the animals they did in front of an official.

Photo by Ryan Schaap Maral Otabachian shows a bull for the students to judge.

Livestock story continued on p. 5

Jordan Fry’s conclusion to her three-part series on international students at WT will be online Dec 7. Be on the lookout for it!

The Wesley Foundation will host Dead Day Dance

BriTTany CasTiLLo sTaff wriTer

O

n Dec. 7, The Wesley will host a dance party to celebrate the end of the fall semester.

Sophomore Filiberto Alvarado Jr., majoring in Electronic Media, will be

InsIde

running the sound board and hosting the event. “‘Dance ‘Til Dead Day’ is one of the Wesley’s biggest events of the fall semester,” said Alvarado. “The Wesley understands students have finals coming, so we give an opportunity to have fun before hitting the books.”

The Dance Day bash will be in the basement of the Wesley Foundation

enTerTainMenT:

sporTs:

news:

Men’s basketball wins game against Javelinas

Students’ academic requirements for Financial Aid eligibility.

Page 4

Page 3

Check the answers from the Nov. 29 issue of The Prairie.

Page 7

from 9 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday, and everyone is welcome to join.

“It’s open to all students, the more people, the merrier!” Reilly Downes, a junior Musical Theatre major, said. “It definitely builds community on campus, making a safe place where people are free to put their dancing shoes on and kick their cares away.”

Wesley supporters, as well as stu-

dents like freshman Theatre Performance major Jessica Morrow, look forward to the gathering to relieve stress.

“It makes for an escape from studying and doesn’t pose much of a time management issue,” said Morrow.

In addition to music and fellowship, the Wesley will provide free food and drinks.

CaMpus Life:

feaTure:

Renaissance Feast was held Dec. 2 at the Alumni Banquet Hall.

Students do marketing research for Las Vegas performer Terry Fator.

Page 5

Page 2

the

Feature Prairie Computer buying tips for the average non-techie 2

December 6, 2011

www.theprairienews.com

Jes Roskens staff WRiteR

C

omputers can be great gifts to give and receive, but knowing how to choose the right one can feel daunting. Depending on what one needs in a computer, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Casual-Use

Accessing the Internet is the most common use of computers, according to a survey done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and for most people this is all they need. Technology professionals like WTAMU’s Michael Reagan, manager of the

IT Service Center, said almost all basic set ups of computers reach this level with 4 gigabytes of RAM, 500 gigabytes to one terabyte of hard-drive space and a simple multi-core processor.

With these specifications, the consumer does not have to be very selective, according to Pantex Information-Management Technologist Seth Ritter.

“There is not a huge difference in brands,” Ritter said.

Westgate Computer’s General Manager Brad Sanders also suggested that even a tablet device such as an iPad might suffice.

Gaming-Uses

When it comes to a gaming computer, more knowledge

and consideration is needed in order for the consumer to buy a computing system that can handle big-name titles such as Battlefield 3.

“It is all about the speed,” Sanders said.

To reach high-computing speeds Sanders, Ritter and Reagan said you will need 8-16 gigabytes of RAM, one terabyte or more of memory, a high-end processor and an advanced video card such as G force GTX 580. These experts said buying a computer with these specifications will put a sizable dent in your wallet for the initial purchase. Significant investments may also be required for the

inevitable updates needed to keep the machine from becoming obsolete.

“Gaming hardware is expensive, so keep in mind it might be more cost-effective to use a console (Xbox 360- or PS3-type system),” Reagan said.

Creative-Uses

According to Sanders, content creators for media such as videos and music require computing needs somewhere between gaming and casual uses. He recommends computer specs of eight gigabytes of RAM, 500 or higher gigabytes of harddrive space and a quad core processor. However, Reagan pointed out that a lot depends

on the kind of programs the consumer intends to use.

“I would use (software) system requirements as a guide, but more is obviously better,” he said.

Beyond system specifications, Sanders advises that a consumer should look at the support given by the company after purchase. It is because of Westgate Computer’s support service that this local company has been successful, Sanders said.

“The support behind the machine can be just as important as the machine itself,” he said, “especially for the first-time computer buyer or novice.”

Terry Fator gives students a real world experience Colton Wedeking MCoM 3309 neWs editing &RepoRting

T

his semester, WT students from the College of Business and the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities have had the opportunity to undertake a project that allowed them to gain real world experience. They have been doing marketing research for Las Vegas performer Terry Fator, gathering information for Fator’s management team to improve the Terry Fator Show.

Dr. Nicholas Gerlich, College of Business department head and professor of Marketing, said that the door to this the

Prairie

opportunity was opened by an existing professional relationship between his research group and the Terry Fator Show.

“This effort is the result of earlier work by Dr. Leigh Browning and Ms. Lori Westermann from the College of Fine Arts and Humanities and myself from the College of Business,” he said.

“We have had a professional relationship with The Terry Fator Show for over a year now and Leigh, Lori, and I are also research collaborators and have a private consultancy.”

Senior Mass Communications student Tyler Sweeney explains the research as two different surveys to gather information to better The Terry Fator Show.

“In August and October we went to

Las Vegas and surveyed people on the street and then surveyed people who were leaving from seeing The Terry Fator Show. We compared the two results and are presenting the information back to Terry Fator,” he said. “We conducted more than 400 surveys and the information gathered will help with things like media buys and how much recognition Terry receives to the different Vegas crowds.”

The group of students consists of four people, two from the College of Business and two from the Department of Communication.

Masters of Business Administration student Christie Russell said she thinks that the collaboration between students

in different fields of study is very important, especially for something such as show business.

“It’s really important for our two programs to merge and work together.

In the ‘real world,’ advertising teams and marketing teams will always be working together to make sure that the creative side and business side are cohesive,” she said. “I think we should work with students outside our major more often.

It gives a more real world feel to projects like this.”

Terry Fator is performing his holidaythemed performances titled A Very Terry Christmas beginning Nov. 29 through Dec. 24 at the Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Staff 2011-2012

Editor- Maria Molina Assistant Editor- Krystina Martinez Web Editor - Georgia Romig Layout- Kati Watson Ad Manager- Bryan Samuel Faculty Adviser- Butler Cain

Reporter- Jes Roskens Reporter- Melissa Bauer-Herzog Reporter- Ryan Schaap Reporter- Matt Watkins Reporter- Lisa Hellier

Reporter- Jordan Fry Reporter- Daniela Fierro Reporter - Brittany Castillo Public Relations- Aurora Ortiz Photographer- Alex Montoya

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

The Prairie is a student-operated publication at West Texas A&M University. It functions to inform, educate, and entertain readers accurately and responsibly. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty or students. The editorials that appear on these pages represent the opinion of the Prairie editorial board. The views expressed by other columinsts are the writers’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the board’s views. Advertising rates are available upon request at (806) 337- 2090 or at theprairiewt@gmail.com. WTAMU Box 60754, Canyon, Texas 79016. The Prairie is distributed on Tuesdays during the semester and has a circulation of 1,500. It is printed by The Amarillo Globe-News.

the

News Prairie Financial Aid requires students to meet criteria 3

December 6, 2011

www.theprairienews.com

Colton Harada MCoM 3309 news editing & reporting

A

lthough most students do not plan on performing poorly in their college courses, some choices and situations can cause students to end their semester on a bad scholastic note. However, these choices not only threaten students’ academic records, but their capability of receiving financial aid as well.

According to WTAMU’s Satisfactory Academic Appeal Information office, Financial Aid requires students to meet certain criteria to be able to apply for financial aid. One requirement is that students must complete 75 percent of the hours they attempt annually.

“The basic GPA should be 2.0 for undergraduates, and it’s 3.0 for graduate [students],” a specialist from the Financial Aid office said.

If students don’t meet these requirements, they will be placed on financial suspension

and will not receive any form of financial aid from the University. Tabitha Perry is a former WT student who was placed on financial suspension.

“I was dumb and didn’t go to class,” Perry said. “I got a 0.0 [GPA] in the fall, so I was told I had to bring my grades up.”

Perry was also placed on academic suspension at WT, and was not allowed to re-enroll at the University for an entire academic year. Although she has taken courses at Amarillo College to improve her GPA, Perry has not attempted to re-

Some of the upcoming programs for the spring include: a Valentine’s Day battle of the sexes, a singing bee, a “Knock out Cancer” basketball event, a midnight outdoor movie, and the yearly casino night at the University formal.

“We put on events all year long to give the residents who live on campus a fun campus life.

We invite commuters as well, but we tailor to kids who live in the dorms, also because that’s where we have most of our advertising,” said Nicole Moore, a junior Communications major and RHA president.

“We went to our regional conference this weekend (South West Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls) at SMU,”

said Moore.

The Southwest Affiliate includes the states of Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and the country of Mexico.

There are currently about 25 member schools in SWACURH. “RHA provides great opportunities to get involved and have your voice heard when dealing with some issues in the halls,” said Chad Pearson, a Centennial Hall representative. “It’s also really great to communicate with other universities in our region to come up with new ideas for our campus. RHA does a lot of functions on campus such as homecoming events and various events throughout the year.”

enroll at WT. “You know, it’s hard to go back to college once you leave,” Perry said. “Plus, I don’t have enough money to pay for it. I wouldn’t get full coverage.”

While her college career is still not yet determined, Perry offers current students some advice.

“Go to class,” she said. “I know that sounds lame and obvious, but that’s what got me.”

Although this predicament may seem bleak to some, there is still time to improve

for students to improve their academic standing if they don’t meet the criteria for financial aid. Since the department checks the status of enrolled students annually rather than every semester, the upcoming spring term gives students who did poorly in the fall a chance to improve their GPA and the amount of completed hours.

“If a student is not doing very well in the fall, but does a better job averagely, and meets these requirements, then the student is ok,” a Financial Aid office specialist said.

RHA stays active on campus VHAC has damage a w l H lisa

Hite

MCoM 3309 news editing & reporting

O

ne of WTAMU’s many active organizations is the Residence Hall Association (RHA).

RHA consists of representatives from each residence hall. The delegates are elected by peers from their hall to voice specific concerns and ideas from their respective dorms.

“We represent all residents who live on campus. We vote on different ordinances and things like that. Like when the curfew changed last year, that was us.

And we also put on programs,” said Erin Stodghill, an RHA delegate.

Crisis continued from p. 1 However, Ware remains confident in WT students to help with the drought’s relationship with the Panhandle economy.

“WT turns out a ton of graduates and what we need to do is create an environment in Amarillo, Canyon, and Lubbock and all over the Panhandle to keep those WT graduates here,” Ware said. “We have all this water, it’s going to start raining again and the economy is going to grow.”

For college students, the financial crisis could hit home and affect their university expenses and education.

“If banks don’t have money,

they can’t give loans to students,” Dr. Syed Anwar, professor of Marketing and International Business, said. “If banks don’t have money, communities go down and communities can be part of WT.” Professionals urged students to pay attention to this pivotal point in the global financial crisis, a tip that Senior International Business major Landon Forgette took seriously.

“I really think that my generation will come out and do better than the baby boomers,” Forgette said. “Once they get out of college and realize that everything

is not the way they thought it would be, they will pay more attention. It’s extremely important since they have to raise a whole other generation and possibly pay for their parents.”

Despite the negative effects the economic crisis has had on both the local and global scale, Ware says the Panhandle is in good shape to handle it.

“The banks in this area, whether they’re big national banks or small community banks, are all doing well,” Ware said. “We live in the best part of the country to live and do business in.”

isa

ellier

staff writer

T

he Virgil Henson Activities Center (VHAC) closed the indoor track and all-purpose room after 60 mph wind tore up part of the roof.

Within a week, insulation was used to repair and cover up the holes.

“They’ll have to completely replace the entire roof,” Director of Recreational Sports Bill Craddock said.

The rooms were recently opened back up and are available to students.

According to Craddock, the roof can be worked on in sections so that not all of the courts in the all-purpose room have to be closed.

“People use the all-purpose room a lot, so I think that’s the

main one [affected],” Miros Olivarez, sophomore Psychology major and VHAC student employee, said.

“I think most people are understanding,” Leslie Brummett, freshman Biology major and VHAC student employee, said. “The regulars, I’m sure, are kind of bummed about it. But, no one’s really gotten angry over it. Stuff happens. “ Craddock does not know the exact financial details of the situation but believes the necessary repairs will be made.

In another incident, a pipe cracked and caused a leak in the pool at the VHAC. According to Olivarez, workers are waiting for a part to be shipped in order to fix the leak. It will remain closed until further notice.

4

the

Prairie

SportS

December 6, 2011

www.theprairienews.com

Basketball Round-up M W &M B -H att

atkins

staff Writers

elissa

auer

Men’s

T

he WTAMU Buffalo basketball team traveled to Kingsville to take on the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas on Dec. 3. The Buffs’ 69-61 victory gives them a 6-1 overall record and a 2-0 start in the Lone Star Conference.

Both teams went back and forth as WT took an early 18-14 lead. Back-to-back threes by freshman Tez Dumars boosted the Buffs’ lead to 31-22. Junior Tyshawn Edwards’ three-pointer with less than a minute to go gave WT a 37-27 advantage at

Lady Buffs

A

fter a slow start to the season, the Lady Buffs won on the road this weekend, taking on the University of Incarnate Word on Dec. 1 and Texas A&MKingsville on Dec. 2.

The Lady Buffs started out in San Antonio to take on UIW for their first LSC game of the season. The team had some troubles to overcome after the first half, down 22-20 with 10 turnovers.

After the break, Devin Griffin’s seven-point run turned the corner for the team.

Both teams continued to find the basket for the last five minutes of the game but Kenisha Harris would secure the WTAMU win by scoring the game’s final six points. The scoreboard would show the final tally as 61-51 in favor of the Lady Buffs.

Griffin would lead WT in points with 16 with Harris dominating the top of the leaderboard with seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.

The Lady Buffs would use their Friday night momentum going into Saturday’s game in Kingsville against Texas A&M-

erzog

halftime.

An 11-0 run got the Buffs offense started in the second half, and gave them a 50-31 lead. The Javelinas closed a 53-35 gap with a 24-14 run to cut WT’s lead to 67-59 with under a minute remaining in the game. The Buffs were able to hit their free throws and close out the win.

“They played good enough basketball to get a big win on another team’s home floor,” Head Coach Rick Cooper said.

Senior Courtney Carr and junior Kennon Washington led the Buffs with 14 points each. WT shot 24 of 45 from the field for a 53 percent average.

Kingsville in another LSC match up.

WT got off to an early start with long runs in the first half to take a comfortable lead. Devin Griffin made her way on the scoreboard early by starting a 12-0 run with two free throws and a lay-up. Ashley Leven scored off of another layup to take the score up to 19-6.

TAMUK would pull within eight points after the run but WT wouldn’t give up any advantage, scoring 21 points in a little over five minutes before the Javelinas could score again. At the end of the half, the Lady Buffs would take a 54-20 lead into the break.

WT would continue its roll right out of the break as Joni Unruh scored off a jumper. Both sides saw the ball go into their baskets multiple times, with TAMUK outscoring the Lady Buffs 42-36 in the second half but that wouldn’t stop WT from winning the game 90-62.

Griffin again led the scoring with a career-high 26 points.

WT’s shooting percentage for the game was .508 from the field; they also converted .692 percent of its free throws, seeing players at the line 39 times.

WT returns home Dec. 10 to take on Texas Woman’s at 4 p.m.

the

Campus Life Prairie WT’s Meat Lab caters to the requests of customers 5

December 6, 2011

www.theprairienews.com

KiMberlY crist McOM 3309 News editiNG & repOrtiNG

O

ne of WTAMU’s hidden secrets is the on-campus Meat Lab. The Meat Lab carries unique items such as Halal beef and lamb products for sale.

Halal refers to the Islamic customs that means the food is acceptable by their religious standards for consumption. It is similar to kosher foods in the

Jewish faith.

For beef or lamb to be deemed a Halal product, certain steps must be taken during the slaughter process. For instance, a very sharp knife is used to make one swift cut. The body must be aligned with Qiblah, the direction faced during Muslim prayer. There are also restrictions in the Halal standards, for instance, pork is not acceptable for consumption. An animal that was not slaughtered in the name of Allah is not acceptable for eating.

The Meat Lab is one of the few facilities in the Texas panhandle certi-

fied to kill and sell Halal meat products.

Assistant Professor of Agriculture Dr. Lal-Khan Almas oversees and performs the duties of a Halal kill. Dr. Almas is a devout Muslim ordained to perform such duties.

“We are very unique in our diversity in that we cater to many parts of the population. Not just Halal beef, but also do a lot for our Brazilian customers and their preferences,” Royce Kratz, an undergraduate meat lab employee, said.

Dr. Ty Lawrence is in charge of the undergraduate and graduate student-

run Meat Lab. He does his best to ensure that the lab caters to customer demands, from carrying religious-specific items to trying new items to satisfy customers’ tastes.

“Our biggest drawback in a business sense is that we are not allowed to advertise,” said Lawrence. “We rely heavily on word of mouth, quality and availability of products.”

The Meat Lab is located in the northernmost part of the Bivins Nursing Learning Center.

Counseling Services sought out by WT students Yadira Garcia McOM 3309 News editiNG & repOrtiNG

A

lthough the Office of Student Affairs is bustling with hectic construction work and endless meetings, a particular division strives to attain tranquility at WTAMU: the Counseling Services Office.

Counseling Services is among one of the most sought out offices on campus and continues to help all students

who are in need of a pair of ears.

This office works in many areas of help. They offer personal counseling, career counseling and couples counseling. Although the office is busy all semester long, finals week is quickly approaching and with that, students are more anxious and pressured.

“As this time of year approaches, we get more and more students who need a bit of counseling because the stress of finals has just

overwhelmed them,” said Karla Morrison, administrative assistant for the Student Success Center.

Although stress from finals is a good reason for a student to seek Counseling Services, there are other reasons to take a peek into their frosted windows offices in the Classroom Center.

“Couples counseling and premarital counseling is also a big reason why students keep the office busy,” said Morrison.

Most of the public doesn’t

know that couples who “attend at least eight hours of premarital training are eligible to have their marriage license fee waived.”

“Premarital training is something that I wanted my fiancé and I to have before our big day and was so happy to hear that the WT campus offers this to me as a student, and we could also avoid having to pay for the marriage license,” Lexy Hay, an Advertising and Public Relations major, said.

Every student has an

29th Renaissance Feast is a success daNiela FierrO staFF writer

O

n Dec. 2, the 29th Annual Renaissance Holiday Feast was held at the WTAMU Dr. Hazel Kelley Wilson Alumni Banquet Hall.

The Feast is put together every year by the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities and the CORE office as a way to raise money for scholarships, said Director of

Student Activities Skip Chisum. “[CORE] has been preparing for a couple of months,” said Chisum. “[CORE] cares for the production of the Feast, food and ticket sales.”

However, Chisum said that this might be the last year that the Feast will be held at the Banquet Hall.

“We plan to do it next year at the JBK after the expansion is finished,” said Chisum. “We will be able to fit in more people next year.”

Vocal Performance major Stephanie Madrigal, participated as a Wench and had the opportunity to serve WT President J. Patrick O’Brien and his wife along with the WT Chamber Singers.

“It felt really cool serving the President and his wife,” said Madrigal. “I was honored because not many wenches do that.”

Madrigal said she would participate the following year if allowed to.

“It really was a one of a kind experience,” she said. “It’s really festive and it ties into what I’m learning in class. Besides, I get to dress up.”

Chelsea Koester, a Music Education major, enjoyed the Renaissance Feast.

“There was a lot of sitting,” she said. “But there was good acting and I loved the singing by the Chamber Singers.”

opportunity to take advantage of these services, but many are afraid to seek counseling help.

“I’ve been meaning to go into Counseling Services for many, many reasons but didn’t think it would be kept confidential,” said Luis Garcia, a senior WT student and counseling patient.

“I finally got over it and went in to talk to them. It was pretty cool that I could basically get help for everything from my career plans to all of my personal problems.”

Livestock continued from p. 1 Marcus Arnold, the WT livestock judging coach and a superintendent of the contest, organized the event and made sure that everything was in order.

“In my mind, the livestock judging contest went real smooth,” said Arnold. “In events like this, it helps that you have a lot of people helping out, including many freshman animal science students and past judging students. [They] made this event as successful as it is.”

The WT Livestock Judging team also participated in the contest as a practice event to prepare themselves for upcoming competitions. Their season begins on Jan. 12, 2012 at the National Western Contest in Denver.

“I constructed this contest like the Denver National Western to prepare WT students for the competition,” said Arnold. “I’m real passionate about livestock judging and really like working with the kids. It’s a real good experience for those who are interested in livestock.”

6

the

Prairie

Campus Life

December 6, 2011

www.theprairienews.com

Music department wins “Juguetes para Juárez” ayuda a “Can-Tree” food drive niños afectados por la violencia Krystina Martinez

assistant editor

O

n Nov. 30, the departments of the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts College came together for “Can-Tree For The Pantry,” an event put together by the Ad/PR Society to support the High Plains Food Bank.

“Our philanthropy is the High Plains Food Bank, and we wanted to do something that would get the entire FAC involved,” J’Rhea Wise, president of the Ad/PR society, said.

Before the event, each department collected cans and other non-perishable goods. The food would be used to construct a Christmas tree. The winner would be able to pick a faculty member of their choice to dress in an elf costume on Dec. 7.

“It’s for a good cause, and Dr. [Robert] Krause wanted us to get involved,” Mark Tenorio, a freshman Music Performance major, said.

Each department had 15 minutes to put their tree together.

The atmosphere was competitive, especially between the Music and Mass Communication

departments.

“We’ll try our best [to win],” said Tenorio.

Brock Carter, director of communications for the High Plains Food Bank, judged each tree for its size and creativity. At the end, the Music Department won first prize, with Speech Communication winning the award for Most Creative.

“I cannot express how grateful I am for such a creative way to raise awareness and collect food,” said Carter. “Hunger is in every community, but the solution is closer than you think, it begins with you.”

The Music department selected Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Benjamin J. Brooks to dress as an elf.

Although this was the event’s first year, students are already thinking about next year’s competition “Next year, we’ll beat [Music],” Stephanie Williams, a senior Ad/ PR and Broadcast Journalism major, said.

For “Can-Tree For The Pantry” pictures go to pg. 8

Maria Molina editor

E

l 14 de Diciembre, Juan Gallardo, presidente de la Asociación de Estudiantes Hispanos (HSA), junto a otros miembros de esta organización distribuirán juguetes en El Paso, Texas.

Estos juguetes serán entregados a la organización Realizando Sueños quienes se encargan de juntar juguetes para niños afectados por la violencia en ciudad Juárez, México.

“Ellos [Realizando Sueños] recolectaron 800 juguetes [el año pasado] pero 6,000 niños asistieron,” dijo Gallardo. “Por tanto se quedaron más de 5,000 niños sin juguetes.”

También dijo que “Juguetes para Juárez” empezó como un proyecto en la universidad a través del cual HSA esperaban recolectar entre 100 y 200 juguetes. Gracias a diferentes compañías de la comunidad, el proyecto creció.

“Nuestro proyecto creció mucho hasta que tuvimos un evento que no era solo en la

Honors graduation reception rubi Valencia

McoM 3309 news editing & reporting

W

ith fall semester coming to an end, the William H. and Joyce Attebury Honors Program will hold a graduation reception on Dec. 7.

“Two honor students will graduate this December and the reception will begin at 3:30 p.m. and it will end at five o’ clock,” Toni Williams, administrative secretary of the Killgore Research Center, said.

“Jillian Read and Kenneth Clift are the two honor students that are going to graduate this December.”

“The graduates will be given a certificate with a medallion and they will present their capstone thesis,” Kathey Walker, administrative director of the Killgore Research Center, said.

“We will have food and drinks at the reception and our academic director, Dr. Mallard, will give the certificates to the honor graduates.”

An honors capstone thesis is a representation of a project during the student’s senior year. A capstone or thesis is a

project done independently by the student under the direction of an advisor. It is completed over the course of a semester or a year and it includes their scholarly academic work.

“The Graduate Reception is a wonderful way the showcase the variety of research projects the honors students are doing,” Dr. Jessica Mallard, academic director of the Attebury Honors Program, said. “I love to see the passion they have developed for their topics.”

The honors reception will take place in the Killgore Research room 107 on Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Juan Gallardo HSA vendió pulseras para viajar a El Paso a distribuir juguetes.

universidad, sino que involucraba a toda la comunidad,” dijo Gallardo.

“Ahora nuestra meta es recolectar 5,000 juguetes porque ese es el numero de niños que no recibieron un juguete el año pasado.”

Los miembros de HSA llevarán los juguetes hasta El Paso y después, la organización Realizando Sueños los llevará a Juárez.

“Estamos involucrados en este proyecto al 100 por ciento así que nosotros vamos a llevar los juguetes,” dijo Margarita Rocha, vicepresidente de HSA. “Esto costará menos que mandar los juguetes por correo así que podemos comprar más juguetes.”

Adicionalmente, HSA junto cerca de $800 vendiendo

pulseras. Este dinero será utilizando para el viaje a El Paso y para comprar más juguetes.

Lluvia Vidaña, estudiante de Enfermería, dijo que este proyecto es importante para ella porque en su niñez pasó mucho tiempo en Juárez.

“A las cinco o seis de la tarde ya no hay nadie en las calles. No se ve a nadie ni a niños jugando afuera,” dijo Lluvia. “Es muy triste así que yo quise hacer algo por la comunidad.”

Jaqueline Reyes, estudiante de Administración y miembro de HSA, también creció en México y dijo que eso le motivó a participar en “Juguetes para Juárez.”

“No lo estamos haciendo para promocionar el nombre de HSA, lo estamos haciendo porque queremos ayudar a estos niños,” dijo Reyes.

Existen ocho lugares en Amarillo y cuatro en Hereford donde se pueden donar juguetes. Sin embargo, si alguien en WTAMU desea donar puede comunicarse con cualquier miembro de HSA o con Juan Gallardo al (806) 420-6597.

Check online for the English version.

7

the

Prairie

EntErtainmEnt

December 6, 2011

www.theprairienews.com

Last week’s answers

8

the

Prairie

Campus Life

Christmas spirit begins on campus with “Carol of Lights”

December 6, 2011

www.theprairienews.com

“Can-Tree For The Pantry” from pg. 1

Photo By Alex Montoya The Music department poses with their “can-tree.”

Photo By Alex Montoya Cans were donated by the different departments of the College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

Photo By Alex Montoya Students from each department built trees made of cans.

Dance Department performs CORE office hosts movie “Falling into Dance” fall show nights at Varsity Theater Photos Courtesy of Eternal Flame

Abby WAlker

MCOM 3309 NeWs editiNg & repOrtiNg

Photo Courtesy of Shawn Irish Dancers stand as statues in Chelsea Dustin’s piece “The Weeping Angels.”

Photo Courtesy of Shawn Irish Danielle Gerber performs her solo.

Photo Courtesy of Shawn Irish Dance Department opens Falling into Dance with the piece Boo-tan Clan.

T

he CORE Office at WTAMU hosts free movie nights for students at the Varsity Theater in Canyon several times a semester. Free Movie Night occurs on every other Sunday of the month.

The Varsity Theater began working with the CORE Office to host the free movie nights fifteen years ago when Skip Chisum, director of student activities, began working at the CORE Office.

“The Varsity hasn’t put any restrictions on what movies we can see,” said Chisum.

This means students have the opportunity to see popular movies that could otherwise set them back

$15. The theater’s proximity to the University also makes it an ideal activity for students looking for something to do at the end of the weekend.

“This is a great way for students to experience the community because this theatre has been around for years,” said Diversity Student Consultant Ben Abiola , who regularly attends the free movie night. “It helps students as well as citizens save gas and money.”

“I really appreciate the opportunity to do something fun for free. After all, we’re all poor college students,” said sophomore Kaitlynn Fish.

The schedule for free movie nights can be found inside the Varsity Theater or on the CORE’s calendar of events.