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the Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 Partly Cloudy 92°F | 61°F

Prairie The sTudenT newspaper of wesT Texas a&M universiTy

Volume 94, Issue II theprairiewt

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Students commemorate 9/11 at Freedom Tree Photos by Alexx Montoya

KWTS commemorates the radio station’s birthday and 9/11’s anniversary.

Students tie string around trees on the Pedestrian Mall.

Candles were lit in remembrance for all lost on 9/11.

Students put flags around the freedom tree.

The Freedom Tree received new curbing.

The 9/11 memorial had a large turnout of students, faculty, and service members.

See memorial story on p. 2

Lady Buffs soccer celebrates a winning weekend MeLissa Bauer-herZoG sTaff wriTer

he Lady Buffs soccer team had an interesting schedule this weekend with both a home and away game to keep them on their toes. But even sending them to New Mexico for the second game of the weekend couldn’t stop the team from winning. After a 3-1 victory against South-

InsIde

western Oklahoma State University on Friday at home, the Lady Buffs did it again on Sunday. This time, they were in Las Vegas, New Mexico playing against New Mexico Highlands University and came home with a 1-0 victory. The lone goal of the game came with less than 10 minutes left in the game when WTAMU’s Berklee Watson took an unassisted shot nearly 40 yards from

the net at the 80:57 mark, surprising the goalkeeper. The Lady Buffs outshot the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls 17 to 13 in the game and had seven corner kicks to the Cowgirls’ two. The hard fought win against NMHU helped to bring the team, which includes some new faces, closer together on the field.

Photo by MELISSA BAUER-HERZOG Lady Buffs celebrating Friday night’s victory.

Soccer continued on p. 4

sporTs:

news:

enTerTainMenT:

CaMpus Life:

feaTure:

Lady Buffs volleyball team wins invitational. Page 4

Construction continues at WT.

Find answers from last week’s crossword puzzle, Sudoku and Try Square. Page 7

iWeek aims to improve students’ involvement on campus. Page 5

9/11 Memorial honors 10th anniversary of terrorist attacks.

Page 3

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Feature Prairie WT commemorates 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 2

September 13, 2011

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MARiA MOLiNA editOR

T’s Student Government and KWTS joined together to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Sunday. KWTS’ General Manager Tyler Sweeney said that on Sept. 11, 1971, the radio station went on air for the first time. On the day of the attacks, the station did not know if they should celebrate the station’s birthday or not. However, they decided to keep with the tradition. “Not celebrating history is what the terrorists wanted,” Sweeney said. “But, to not celebrate those who died Sept. 11 will be unfair.” Therefore, the radio station decided to plant what is today known as the “Freedom Tree”, located outside of the JBK. Every year, the station ties ribbons on the leaves of the tree to commemorate Sept. 11. This year, KWTS joined the Student Government for the commemoration. “Student Government asked if we had a plan

“We need to give thanks and commit to make sure every average day is better then the day before.” Dr. Stephen Stevrn

with the freedom tree,” Sweeney said. “They mentioned making a curbing.” As part of this year’s memorial, a curbing was made on the “Freedom Tree” with a plaque to accompany it. As part of the event, butterflies were released as a symbolic act. “[The butterflies] are a symbol of peace, beauty the

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and hope for a bright future as a strong country,” Miranda Knippers, student senate public relations committee chair, said. The event also featured a short speech by Dr. Stephen Severn, director of writing programs. He reminded students that Sept. 11 was also a normal day at some level. “It reminds me that you have to be vigilant,” he said. Severn also reminded students that as a country, the United States has some problems that citizens need to be aware of. However, he said that there is the opportunity of freedom not found in many other countries in the world.

“We need to give thanks and commit to make sure every average day is better than the day before,” Severn said. An average of 80 people attended the event. For Frederick Williams, a WT student and veteran of the army, the memorial was solemn and was an opportunity for the WT campus to come together and remember what each was doing ten years ago. “I was in Saudi Arabia getting ready to take a military mission,” Williams said. “I had been there for two weeks.” Knippers said the event was significant for her as an American citizen. “We [Americans] are a family unit and part of my American family was devastated that day.”

“Not celebrating history is what the terrorists wanted.” Tyler Sweeney

College day at the Tri-State Fair RYAN SCHAAP StAff WRiteR

he Amarillo Tri-State Exposition will be hosting the 88th Annual Tri-State Fair from Sept. 16-22. Sept. 22 will be College Night, where students can get free admission with their college IDs. Events on this day will include a live concert, a magic show, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo. “It’s a real fun event for concerts, games, rides, and animals that college students would find interesting,” Virgil Bartlett, manager of the Tri-State Fair, said. “ We have one of the best food courts in the nation and it’s good chance to make memories to bring back home.” Angela Ragland, sponsorship and marketing director of the Tri-State Fair, said she is excited for this year’s PRCA rodeo.

“The pro rodeo will be competing for the finals in Vegas,” said Ragland, “We were voted in the top five out of 119 in the medium size category which is a pretty big deal. The top five contenders were selected by the contestants contract personnel.” There will also be live music by Hotel California, an Eagles tribute band. Jonny Maciel, a senior Agricultural Education major, said he enjoys the music at the Tri-State fair. “My favorite part of the fair is the live music,” said Maciel. “I’m looking forward to having a good time with my friends.” College Night will also feature the “Thank A Farmer” magic show, which teaches audiences about agriculture with a twist of entertainment. Joyce Rice who has been featured on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” will be presenting the show.

Staff 2011-2012

Editor- Maria Molina Reporter- Jes Roskens Assistant Editor- Krystina Martinez Reporter- Melissa Bauer-Herzog Web Editor - Georgia Romig Reporter- Ryan Schaap Layout- Kati Watson Ad Manager- Bryan Samuel Faculty Adviser- Butler Cain

Reporter- Jordan Fry Reporter- Lisa Hellier Reporter- Matt Watkins

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) 3372090 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.

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News Prairie WT continues construction throughout campus 3

September 13, 2011

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week delay with the steel for the building. Since then, other aspects of the projSTAff WRITER ect have gone smoothly, which allowed things to move along fairly quickly. “We are real pleased with where we s the fall 2011 semester are with Centennial (considering the begins, construction continues on WT setback),” Jon Behrens, senior director of campus grounds. Renovating and buildresidential living, said. ing new structures are Upon at the forefront of WT’s completion, agenda to lead the Centennial University toward a Hall will be quickly growing future. one of the WT has construcmost upgradtion plans that are at ed yet pricier various stages of develresidential opment from ideas to halls on camfull completion. pus. In fact, a Two major projects double room underway are Cenin this Hall is Photo by MARIA MOLINA tennial Hall and the rated at $2,550 Workers continue to renovate campus. expansion of the Jack B. per semester Kelley Student Center. while other dorms rate from $1,850 to Another project in development is a new $1,500 per semester. It is co-ed by floor athletic center. and the double occupancy rooms include In order to create space for more stufeatures such as: moveable furniture, dents, WT commissioned the estimated individual room temperature controls, $32.5 million towards building Centenlarge windows and a sink with vanity. nial Hall. Although Centennial Hall was The building’s amenities include wireslated to open for the fall 2011 semester, less access, three TV gaming lounges, setbacks occurred, and the date has been multiple study lounges, a multi-purpose pushed back to Nov. 1. There was a six-

LISA HELLIER

Applications are open for serving on judicial board KRYSTINA MARTINEZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

tudent Government will have applications open for students interested in serving on the judicial board. The judicial board is responsible for hearing a wide variety of cases assigned by WT, ranging from dorm violations and disorderly conduct to Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council issues. There are six positions available, and students selected will serve under Student Chief Justice Audra Thurman. “People see the bad side of us with fees and tuition, but we do good [as well]. We are very involved with Homecoming and we also put on the freshmen and graduate student elec-

tions,” said Thurman. Serving as an associate justice is a good resume-builder, and is especially useful for those interested in political science or law, although any major is welcome to apply. Thurman said she understands students who aren’t planning on going into a career in politics or law may not want to be involved with Student Government. “[Our reputation] is not quite what it should be,” said Thurman. “There is room for improvement. We’re here to represent the students, and I want to do it better.” Applications are available in JBK 102. The deadline will be on Sept. 14, and interviews will be conducted on Sept. 15.

room and a formal lobby. tion building to the Student Center in As of now, the students residing in 1988. The plan was approved by the Centennial Hall are assigned three to Texas A&M University System Board of a room until the rest of the rooms are Regents, and Western Builders has been completed. Due to the inconvenience, designated as the general contractor students will be reimbursed almost for the project. The completion of the eight dollars per every day spent in a expansion is estimated for the fall of tripled room. 2012. The JBK will continue to remain “I understand the inconvenience open throughout the construction and wish [Centennial] had been 100 process. Construction on campus can be percent,” Behrens said. considered inconvenient and distractAll students were informed by leting, so the University does not want the ter about the delayed completion and construction to be a continuous imposithree-person room situation. The resition for students. dential assistants have ensured that all “Being the Student Center, it is imstudents get their fair share of the space portant that we meet the needs of the in the room in order to avoid as many students,” Chance Haugen, JBK Student problems as possible. Center manager, said. According to Behrens, complaints According to WT’s website, students were limited and parents and students can also look forward to a $4 million, have handled the situation well. Those 31,000 square foot athletic center. The who were unhappy with the setup were project was recently assured after longtransferred into another residential time WT supporters Ray and Barbara hall. Bain donated the lead gift, initiating the “The construction work can be noisy start of the project. Along with other and frustrating,” Priscilla Red, a freshprivate donors, the Bain family was able man Biology major, said. Red said the to raise 50 percent of funds needed for situation is being handled well and the project. everyone has been polite about the The athletic center is still in the prewhole ordeal. construction stage but has the design Centennial Hall is not the only conhas been mapped out. Included in the struction project at WT this semester. athletic center will be a strength and The JBK Student Center is in the initial conditioning center, an athletic trainstages of construction for an expansion ing and hydrotherapy center, academic that will create more work and lounge success and team meeting rooms, a space for the growing number of WT champion atrium and a welcome center. students. With enrollment increasing every The funding behind the estimated year, construction is a major step in $10.9 million JBK expansion came from leading the University towards a growa $5 student fee increase implemented ing future. in fall 2010 after passing in a student Check out the WT website to stay referendum. continuously updated about construc“I only mind [fees for projects] if it tion project developments. doesn’t benefit us [students],” Star Ghill, a freshman Biology and PreMed major, said. Included in the expansion will be a new first floor and basement which will include: a lobby/common area, office space, information center, catering kitchen, meeting rooms, student lounge and a multi-purpose room capable of holding 500 people banquet-style. The JBK is a 43 year-old building that has not seen major reconstruction since its Photo by MARIA MOLINA The construction has changed student walkways. switch from an administra-

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SportS Prairie Lady Buffs volleyball sweeps through Invitational 4

September 13, 2011

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WT increases LSC win streak to 86 after weekend encounter MATT WATKINS STAff WrITer

he No. 21 ranked WTAMU Lady Buff volleyball team hosted the Lady Buff Invitational on Sept. 9 and 10 at The Box. WT completed sweeps of Wayland Baptist, Incarnate Word, Valdosta State and Texas A&MKingsville. After sweeping all four matches, the Lady Buffs improved to 9-0 overall, and 3-0 in LSC play, extending their conference win streak to 86 in a row. WT opened the weekend by sweeping the Wayland Baptist Pioneers. The Lady Buffs won by scores of 25-22, 25-15 and 25-14. The Pioneers scored first in every set, but WT was able to quickly rebound and take the lead. “I didn’t see a sense of urgency. We’re too one-

dimensional. When you’re one-dimensional, you have a higher chance of getting knocked out of the playoffs early,” said Coach Jason Skoch. The nightcap pitted WT against the University

“We’re playing really good, consistent volleyball.” Coach Skoch.

of Incarnate Word Cardinals. The Lady Buffs picked up another sweep with scores of 25-19, 25-10 and 25-13. The Lady Buffs played their most complete game of the season and got better as the match went along. “We just got used to the way they played and adapted,” said redshirt junior Lacy Hayes.

Story continued from p.1

The Lady Buffs started day two by defeating the Valdosta State Blazers. WT got their third sweep of the weekend with scores of 25-12, 25-19 and 25-8. The Lady Buffs jumped out to a quick win in the first set, fell behind early in the second set and dominated set three. “We got happy, we were able to re-engage and win set three,” said Coach Skoch. The Lady Buffs completed the weekend sweep by beating the Javelinas of Texas A&M-Kingsville. WT posted scores of 25-13, 25-12 and 25-12 to acquaint the new look Javelinas with the mystique of Lady Buff volleyball. WT extended their LSC win streak to 86, and improved on their best start since 1999 with a 9-0 record.

Test your sports knowledge Chris riChCreek

2. The Dodgers’ Steve Howe in 1980 and St. Louis’ Todd Worrell in 1986. 1. Mike Myers (2000) and Mark Guthrie (2002).

Answers

7. Ian Poulter.

6. It was 1953.

5. Forty-six (2006-07). 4. Sixteen.

“Our passes are coming together and we’re communicating a lot better. We still have a lot of improving left to do but it’s gotten a lot better since the first game we played,” midfielder Morgan Kviz said. While the two win weekend was a definite highlight, another highlight may be the The Lady Buffs’ win total for the season, which sits at 3-1. With a good start, the team is optimistic about the rest of the season. “I’m really excited about the rest of the season. I’m looking forward to playing more games and tougher competition and hopefully coming out with more wins,” defender Julia Grief said. The Lady Buffs play tonight, Sept. 13 in Portales, NM against Eastern New Mexico University before taking on Texas A & M UniversityCommerce on the road Friday.

3. No. 11 (Wistert brothers: Francis, Albert and Alvin), No. 47 (Bennie Oosterbaan), No. 48 (Gerald Ford), No. 87 (Ron Kramer) and No. 98 (Tom Harmon).

PhoTo by MelISSA bAuer-herzog Berklee Watson fights for possession of the ball on Friday.

1.In 2010, pitcher Arthur Rhodes tied a major-league record with 33 consecutive scoreless appearances. Who also holds the mark? 2. Twice during the 1980s, a relief pitcher won the N.L. Rookie of the Year Award. Name either pitcher. 3. The University of Michigan had retired only five numbers in football entering the 2011 season. Name three of the five. 4. How many seasons of at least 50 wins did the San Antonio Spurs have in the past 20 seasons (1991-92 through 2010-11). 5. Before the 2010-11 season (32 goals), what was the lowest goal total for a season for Washington’s Alex Ovechkin? 6. When was the last time before 2011 that Penn State won an NCAA wrestling team championship? 7. In 2011, golfer Luke Donald became the second player in a row from England to win the Match Play Championship. Who was the first?

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Campus Life Prairie iWeek's second year prompts student involvement 5

JORDAN FRY StAFF WRiteR

nvolvement Week, or iWeek, is a four-day exhibition of student services and involvement opportunities. It made its debut last fall and was so successful that it is back for a second year. “We were very pleased with iWeek last year,” Skip Chisum, director of student activities, said. “We were so pleased that we didn’t change anything.” Up until last fall, Chisum said student fairs were held on various days in the first few weeks of the fall semester. But with iWeek, all student fairs are held in the same week during the third week of the semester. “Now it all happens at once and it’s all in the same place,” Chisum said. “It’s a one-stop shop.” Eppie Wyckoff, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, feels that iWeek helps students by taking out the guesswork because there are no longer multiple dates to remember. “It’s a good compromise to have it during the third week,” Wyckoff said. “By this time, students are settled into their classes and they know what they have time for.”

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Many opportunities will be presented to students. iSuceeed, the student success fair, kicked off iWeek on Monday. “iSucceed is focused on resources for students,” Amber Black, manager of the Student Success Center, said. Some of these resources include tutoring services, career services and counseling services. “These resources are covered by student service fees and we want to make sure students take advantage of them,” Black said. Today, Sept. 13, iBelong, the campus life fair, will be held at the Pedestrian Mall. iBelong is showcasing all campus organizations and activities. On Wednesday, representatives from campus service organizations as well as charitable organizations from Amarillo and Canyon will be at the volunteer fair called iCare, which will take place in the JBK commons. Students can learn more about faith-based organizations on Thursday at the faith fair, iBelieve. “There’s something for everyone and students enjoy their college experience so much more when they’re involved,” Black said. Wyckoff said she’d like to see all students come to iWeek and make themselves aware of the opportunities that are available to them. “We hope that iWeek

Photo by Maria Molina iWeek kicked off with iSucceed, which featured different resources students have on campus.

affirms the choice students made to come to WT and that it sends the message that we’re all a family,” Chisum said. iWeek will take place everyday until Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free food and door prizes will be given away and students can swipe their Buff Gold for a chance to win a $500 Best Buy gift card.

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Campus Life

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September 13, 2011

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Greek Life offers unique opportunities for students DANIE FIERRO StAFF WRItER

T’s fraternities and sororities are in the process of recruiting new faces to join their organizations. Greek Life offers a variety of opportunities for students during their college experience. Interfraternity Council President Miguel Sosa said the best advice he has for students is to join an organization. “I like having a group of friends that I can lean on. They’re there for me during my highs and my lows,” Sosa said. Sosa has been involved with Alpha Tau Omega for four years. He said his involvement with ATO has helped him develop leadership skills, a strong network with alumni, and has encouraged him to participate in community service activities. Matt Maples, associate director of student activities,

said that being in Greek life is about building something that can last for the rest of your life. “The commitment that you begin as an undergraduate doesn’t ever end,” Maples said. “And after you graduate, it changes. As alumni, you are encouraged to still participate and carry on the values of that organization. It’s a good opportunity to build lifelong relationships.” Being involved in Greek life also requires members to participate in community service. Maples said last year Greek Life gave over $20,000 to the WT campus. Two wishes were also granted for the Make-A-Wish foundation and money was raised for the Susan G. Komen’s Breast Cancer Awareness. Ronald McDonald House is also a big beneficiary. “I think one of the interesting things to me and what I love about [Greek Life] is that they give in a very high level,” Maples said. “What we know nationally is that if you are a member of [Greek Life], your likelihood of giving is higher than if you are not.”

Maples said that another benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority is the emphasis on academics. “Generally, fraternities require a minimum grade point average of 2.3 and sororities are typically around 2.5,” he said. “This last spring, our Greek GPA was higher than the men and women’s average.” Sororities and fraternities also have study hall hours where brothers and sisters can get together to study for classes. “I know some of my brothers are always at the HELC at the same time,” Sosa said. “A lot of us are always in the same classes so we look for each other for help and come up with certain little ways.” Sosa said it is important for students to get involved on campus even if it is not through Greek Life. “It doesn’t really matter what organization you join,” he said. “I think the main part is where you can find a group of people that you can hang out with and can have fun with because it really does enhance your college experience here.”

WT Ag Day raises money for student recruitment RYAN SCHAAP StAFF WRItER

ince 2005, WTAMU has been raising money for the Agriculture Department through a live auction. The money collected during the auction went straight back to the department for the recruitment of new students. Last year, WT raised $35,000, which brought in 631 students, the most students the

Photo by RYAN SCHAAP Auctioneer Ty Cranmer helps during the live auction for Ag day.

Agriculture Department has ever seen. “This is our largest turnout ever,” Associate Professor Lance Kieth said. “There were just a handful of people in 2005 and it keeps getting bigger. We have gotten a lot of donations from great people and the money goes back to the students through scholarships.” Supporters of the agriculture program come from all areas of the community. “The ADA [Agriculture Development Association] is a big supporter of WT and WT Ag,” said Liz Moore, who teaches Horticulture and freshman seminar. “They are our biggest fans.” Alumni, professors, and students enjoyed food provided by local sponsors while they put bids down on a silent auction. Items in the silent auction included prizes that range from trailer grills to cow hides to belt buckles. “I had a flower arrangement in the auction,” Moore said. “It’s fun to watch people bid on items, plus the money raised is for a good cause.” 300 people showed for the live auction as the fast talking auctioneer sold WT merchandise. “[Auctioneer] Ty Cranmer graduated from the Agriculture Department,” said Kieth. “He knows the people and keeps [Ag Day] exciting.” Although Cranmer and the live action is a big draw for Ag Day, the bigger purpose of supporting students is what keeps the community coming back for more. “I think there are a lot of people looking out for the students and want to raise the money for future students,” WT alumnae Natalie Baker said.

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Last weekâ€™s answers

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Prairie Education students get a course in professionalism 8

ASHLEY HENDRICK Staff Writer

Teaching Methods Orientation took place at WTAMU on Sept. 9 to help prepare Education students for the real world of professional teaching outside the classroom. Approximately a hundred students crammed together inside room 433 of the Classroom Center to get a taste of what the professional world is like outside the walls of WT. “This orientation is helping [the students] get launched into that field service, that actual clinical practice,” Dr. Cartwright, John O’Brien Distinguished Chair in Education, said. Guest speakers and professors alike discussed the expectations of students inside and outside the classroom during student teaching. “If [the students] come out of a family or culture that hasn’t done a lot of connection or understanding, [or if] nobody

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in their family has been a teacher, we want to make sure they really know what’s to be expected,” Cartwright said. During the orientation, students were given a crash course in many different aspects of professionalism, including what to wear. To help the students dress for success, models from EDPD 4340 paraded prope dresses, suits, and shoes to wear in the classroom. Buff Boutique, a clothing closet filled with donated clothes and accessories suitable for interviews, also offered its services to the Education students attending. “They’re not students anymore so no inappropriate dress. Not too low, not too short, not too tight, just professionalism,” Cartwright said. A panel of professionals from Amarillo Independent School District, known as the “toast panel” for their “If You Don’t Know This, You’re Toast” perspective, also shared their knowledge and experiences with the students. Donna Hill, instructional technology teacher of Tascosa Cluster, discussed the relationship

* Prairie Locations Courtesy of wtamu.edu

between teachers and technology. “Because of social networking things have changed a lot, you have to keep your personal life and professional life separate,” Hill said. It’s no secret that college students have a tendency to be late for classes every once in a while. However, Dr. Amy Andersen, department head of Education, stressed the unprofessionalism of such a habit as part of being a professional teacher. “If your kids expect you at ten, then you better be there at ten,” Andersen said. Besides fashion shows and toasts, the orientation also taught students how to write a proper resume. Slides projected the “do and don’ts” of resume writing and tricks students could use to make their resumes stand out. Education major Lyndie Thrall attended the orientation last semester and said the resume lecture was the part she remembered the most. “I think that’s a really good idea to

help teaching students get their resumes ready and submitted on Buff Jobs by a certain time so they can try to help us get as many jobs as possible once we graduate,” said Thrall. Though the orientation was designed to help students ease the stress and confusion of facing the professional world, anxiety still lingers among some students. However, for Education major Ruth-Ann Day, this anxiety only pushed her to have more faith in what she’s learning. “You have to be confident in what the university is teaching you,” said Day. At the end of the two-hour orientation, students possessed a plethora of information guides, applications, and resume checklists. They also took with them a new understanding of what it means to be a professional teacher and what it will take to reach that point. “I think it really spells everything out and they can really plan their whole semester around all the activities that they’re going to have,” said Andersen.