The Prairie Issue XVI

the

Prairie

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012

The sTudenT newspaper of wesT Texas a&M universiTy

Snow 42°F | 21°F

Volume 94, Issue XVI theprairiewt

www.theprairienews.com

the_prairie

Follow us online

Twitter announces new Local centers provide support withholding capability for college mothers in Canyon KrysTina MarTinez assisTanT ediTor

O

n Jan. 26, Twitter announced on its blog the capability to “reactively withhold content from users in a specific country while keeping it available in the rest of the world.” The announcement made headlines and became a trending topic, prompting users to question the company’s motives.

“Twitter wants to keep themselves available because [these countries] can block an IP - they’re sucking up to the worst regimes,”

Dr. Nicholas Gerlich, WTAMU department head of Management, Marketing, and General Business, said.

In its blog, the company admits that countries where the service is banned have ideas that “differ so much from our ideas that we will not be able to exist there.”

People like Daniel Zewde, a junior Advertising and Public Relations major, believe that this policy would undermine what Twitter’s mission is about.

Twitter continued on p. 3

Jordan fry

sTaff wriTer

Part one of a three part series

P

regnancy and parenthood can prove to be difficult, but factor in college on top of it and it becomes much more challenging.

CareNet Pregnancy Centers, a Christian faith based ministry, and Haven Health Clinics, a clinic which provides affordable healthcare and reproductive services, are two local centers offering services to expectant mothers,

largely to the college age demographic.

“Our largest category is the typical college age,” Amy Thompson, director of operations of CareNet Pregnancy Centers, said.

In 2011, 37 percent of CareNet’s client base was in the 20-24 age range, with 11 percent being college students.

Likewise, Haven Health Clinics’ largest age segment is also the college age range.

“Our largest population segment by age is the 18-24 age group,” Ron Barwick, CEO of Haven Health Clinics, said.

Up until Sept. 2011, when funding was cut, Haven Health Clinics administered 800-1,000 pregnancy tests each month, with an average of 10-11 percent of the tests being positive.

Pregnancy continued on p. 3

WTAMU organizations team up to fight for the cure JessiCa Chandos sTaff wriTer

F

or the second year in a row, WT’s Librarians for Shelving Cancer are helping to put on the Canyon Relay for Life with the WT Veterans’ Network team, Boots `N Tees.

Last year, both groups helped raise $6000 by conducting a silent auction, two fundraisers and a relay event. This year the groups are aspiring to raise more. “[We] are hoping to double that number,” said Beth Vizzini, head of circulation at Cornette Library.

The Cornette Library will be accepting donations Feb. through April in addition to hosting two benefits each month.

InsIde

“[We are] hoping more exposure will lead to more funding,” said Wendy Collier,

community teams development chair for Relay for Life. “Last year’s relay event had 48 teams,

Relay for Life schedule of events

February

March

April

Relay for Life Stars and Moons and Hearts

Relay for Life Stars and Moons and Shamrocks

Relay for Life Stars and Moons and Cancer Ribbons

Casino Night Friday, Feb 24 7 p.m. - Midnight Cornette Library

Relay for Life Survivor Dinner Thursday, March 22 6:30 p.m. -8 p.m.

First United Methodist Church in Canyon

Relay for Life Canyon Friday, April 20 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

WT Buffalo Sports Complex

Relay for Life Kick off Thursday, Feb 9 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

First United Methodist Church in Canyon

Donations at United, Canyon Saturday, March 3 11 a.m. - 3 p.m

Cornette Library Raffle Tuesday, April 3 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Cornette Library

support them,” said Collier. and had a 200 percent increase Students like sophomore in funds from the previous History major Matthew Jellison, year.” appreciate being informed of WT librarians began cancer funds. collecting funds last year “I didn’t even know we had when Vizzini’s twin sister was a cancer fund,” said Jellison. “I diagnosed with breast cancer.

After the diagnosis, Vizzini hope that I can help [now].” learned that a BRCA1 gene mutation ran in her family and that she too had the mutation. “My sister saved my life,” said Vizzini. “Everyone knows somebody who’s been touched [by cancer].”

In addition to cancer research, collected funds aid cancer victims and their families, explained phoTo by JessiCa Chandos From left to right: Wendy Collier, community team Collier. development for Relay for Life of Canyon and Beth “There are many Vizzini, head of circulation unit at Cornette Library at their programs to help booth for Relay for Life on Feb. 2 at the JBK.

sporTs:

news:

enTerTainMenT:

CaMpus Life:

feaTure:

Lady Buffs basketball team seeks to attract more fans to games.

Page 4

Universities may face funding cuts if they don’t control tuition costs.

Try your hand at Sudoku, Try Squares, or Crossword!

HeatBox brings the beat to WTAMU campus.

Vance Morris chosen for the annual Destination z Enterprise Computing Scholarship program.

Page 2

Page 3

Page 7

Page 5

the

Feature Prairie Morris paves his future path in computer science 2

February 7, 2012

www.theprairienews.com

Lisa HeLLier

staff Writer

W

TAMU student Vance Morris received top honors by being chosen for the annual Destination z Enterprise Computing Scholarship program.

There were 29 applicants, and because of his successful mainframe computing work he was rewarded highest scorer out of the 12 chosen for the scholarship.

Due to his high placement, Morris also received the Greg Zaubi Memorial Scholarship worth $2500, which is considered an honor in mainframe education.

According to the Destination z website, students must have demonstrated excellence in their enterprise computing coursework with plans for continued growth on the mainframe platform in their academic and professional careers to be considered for the scholarship.

“Vance is a very serious young man and very motivated at what he is doing,” H. Paul Haiduk, Computer Science Program Coordinator, said.

Rhonda Dittfurth, Engineerthe

Prairie

ing and Computer Science Outreach Coordinator, said that Haiduk often says receiving the Greg Zaubi Memorial Scholarship in the engineering field is like receiving an Oscar in the entertainment world.

“The fact that Vance won the top spot in this scholarship competition not only is huge for him as far as looking for placement in computer science particularly in mainframing, it goes to the caliber of the education he has gotten at WT in the computer science department,” Dittfurth said.

Morris’ strong participation in mainframe computing began during the summer of 2010 when WT became involved with the IBM Academic initiative.

Morris said that IBM provides the mainframe and gives students the opportunity to learn how to use the system because there was a recognized need for universities to get involved in mainframe computing again.

“I saw his interest and saw his desire to learn so I gave him as much leeway as I could give him, and he’s running with it.

As a result of his efforts, we are the first university in the world to deploy something that is a mainframe emulator,” Haiduk said.

He played a big role in getting WT’s coursework mainframe system up and running. At the beginning of each semester he uses the system to configure accounts for students.

“We are basically responsible for all the maintenance and upkeep of our little portion of that mainframe,” Morris said.

This past fall semester, Morris competed in the annual Master the Mainframe competition sponsored by IBM and placed third after going up against almost 4000 other participants from around Canada and the United States. This was the second time Morris entered the competition. He originally got involved because it was a requirement for one of his classes.

“So, not knowing anything about the mainframe at the time, some of us students just jumped into the contest and did our best,” Morris said.

The Master the Mainframe competition is designed to teach students the basic skills of mainframing to make them more competitive in the enterprise computing field. A mainframe is basically the central processing unit or computer that supports and works together with other workstations.

Staff 2011-2012

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

Reporter- Ashley Hendrick Reporter- Melissa Bauer-Herzog Reporter- Ryan Schaap Reporter- Matt Watkins Reporter- Lisa Hellier Reporter- Brittany Castillo Reporter- Sheri Gibbs Reporter- Chyna Tinney

“I’ve participated twice and every time I’ve done it I’ve learned something totally new that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn otherwise,” Morris said.

Morris has been interested in computers ever since his parents bought their first one when he was eight years old.

“I’ve just always been fascinated by computers,” Morris said. “I want to learn more about them. It’s a passion. It’s what I do.”

According to Dittfurth, it is students like Morris that are really putting WT on the map in the engineering world and proving that their education is just as good as any bigger school and offers better opportunities.

Reporter- Jordan Fry Reporter- Daniela Fierro Reporter- Monica Gambert Reporter- Jessica Chandos Reporter- Jessica Bartel Reporter- Sarah Floyd Reporter- Jacob Cain Photographer- Alex Montoya

Due to his recognized talent, Morris gets the chance to do a summer internship for IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Morris said he will get to work first with the development and deployment team and then will finish off the summer working with the maintenance team.

“He will be doing some very demanding and challenging things,” Haiduk said.

His success in these competitions has opened job possibilities and opportunities. Morris will be graduating December 2012 with a degree in Computer Science with an Enterprise Systems track.

“It’s a huge thing and a great thing for this university what the kids are doing,” Dittfurth said.

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.

the

News Prairie Tuition charges are out of control, says President 3

February 7, 2012

www.theprairienews.com

Sheri GibbS Staff Writer

C

olleges and universities may face funding cuts if they don’t rein in tuition costs, said President Obama at the State of the Union Address on Jan. 24. The President scolded the higher education facilities, telling them tuition is just too high, and there will now be consequences for these high costs. “ If you can’t stop tuition from going up, the funding you get from taxpayers will go down,” Obama said. “Higher education can’t be a luxury. It’s an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.”

The stance has the educational world in an uproar. Many think it is time for universities to be held accountable for their financial increases and lack of substance in curriculum.

Twitter continued from p. 1

“I believe that Twitter is described as an informationsharing network and their mission statement is: ‘To instantly connect people everywhere to what’s most important to them,’” said Zewde. “[The policy] definitely shields people from Twitter’s mission.”

Kim Bruce, Instructor of Mass Communication, also pointed out that blocking tweets could undermine the power that Twitter has had in hostile countries. “[Users] know the risk they’re taking in that country when they tweet because that country can trace it,” said Bruce. “If they didn’t take that risk, Arab Spring wouldn’t have happened.”

Although Twitter has been well-publicized as a hub for breaking news and content, Twitter CEO Dick Costolo stated that “Twitter was not a media company” at a media conference on Jan. 30, according to Mashable. Both

“Universities have not been asked to prove themselves for some time... it is time. We are falling very very behind other countries. This is a very high priority, and it should be,” said Dr. Leigh Browning, Professor at WTAMU. “It involves STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math), connecting the Digital Divide and making a degree of higher learning affordable for all.”

Students also agree that tuition costs are too high. Grants at the state level were lowered last school year, just in time to hit the rise in tuition.

“I think Obama…is really wanting to push states and universities to look at what is most important, which is students getting an education,” said WTAMU senior and Eternal Flame Editor, Kylie Berry. “When universities say they can’t keep costs any lower, it’s because they are too focused on the business part of running a university

Bruce and Gerlich disagree with the statement.

“If you operate in the public forum and you’re transferring information, you’re a mass communicator,” said Bruce. “It’s a way to shrug responsibility.”

[The CEO] is trying to distance himself,” said Gerlich. “[Twitter would make more money] only if they could sell more advertisements [as opposed to this policy].

Facebook made $4 billion in advertisements last year - onetenth of Google.”

Gerlich believes that the withholding policy will not be reversed anytime soon.

“I think Twitter will hold their ground - they don’t want to be blocked in other countries,” said Gerlich.

“Google had issues [with that].

It’s unfortunate that censorship has to do that.”

If it isn’t reversed, some like Bruce believe that the move will be bad business.

“Google was transparent about global pressures, what about Twitter?” Bruce asked.

“Is it worth it to get into that market while shrinking the freedoms of some people?”

rather than keeping education their top priority.”

Kristi Behrens, parent of a 2013 WT prospect, agrees with that logic, stating that, “Universities are more worried about their reputation than their students. I don’t currently know how we will pay for all four years of school for our kids.”

The universities, however, disagree. According to The Texas Tribune, Texas universities including Texas Tech University and the University of North Texas have seen a rise in tuition this year. Officials say funding for higher education took a 9 percent hit this year, which is the reason for the increase in tuition.

Some universities, such as the Texas A&M branches, chose not to raise most tuition cost this year. There will however be a slight raise in the architecture, veterinary, and engineering programs

Pregnancy continued from p. 1

While both centers provide pregnancy testing, their services extend beyond this.

Both provide counseling to expectant mothers to help them make the best decisions for their pregnancies.

“We don’t want to just give a pregnancy test and sonogram and say ‘good luck,’” Thompson said. “We want to help the whole way through.”

CareNet provides their clients with a resource packet to assist with finding healthcare, housing and jobs.

Haven Health Clinics also provides its clients with similar resources and assists with referrals for pregnancy.

“We make sure that all types of information are available to patients with a positive pregnancy test,” Barwick said.

One thing the counseling center provides expectant mothers with is support.

at College Station and Corpus Christi.

WTAMU did not see a notable rise in cost this year.

“We remain among the least expensive 4 year universities in Texas, and we have done so as much as we can to help the student keep his or her educational expenses under control,” Dr. James Hallmark, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said. Given that we are among the least expensive in Texas and Texas is among the least expensive in the country. I suspect after the President’s plan is fleshed out, WTAMU will look like one of the better bargains in the country.”

While no immediate details on how this plan will be carried out, Obama cited that some universities are cutting costs already by re-aligning courses and using better technology. No official plans or deadlines have been announced as of this time.

“Pregnant college students face the challenge of trying to raise a child and still get an education or begin a career,” Barwick said. “If there is a support group in family or friends, this can be easier.”

Barwick feels that having support can help to achieve the life goals that may not have included children at the time.

CareNet has a support group called Moms Connected, which is a young mothers’ support group, and Thompson believes it helps to be surrounded by others who are experiencing the same situations.

“These moms are trying

to fulfill a variety of roles,” Thompson said. “Being a fulltime student keeps you busy enough, but having a baby and [maintaining a marriage or relationship] are full-time responsibilities as well.”

Thompson said it’s difficult to have a family and raise kids while in school, but she feels that it is definitely possible.

Barwick feels the same.

“Although the road for women with unplanned pregnancies can be a hard one, I personally am convinced that, in every adverse situation, God provides a route for it to become an occasion of joy,” Barwick said.

the

SportS Peyton’s Future: Lady Buffs win third straight game 4

Prairie

Stay with Indy keltin Wiens

kWts sPorts DireCtor

J

im Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, is trying to rebuild his team from the top down. So far, it’s not going too well.

Vice chairman Bill Polian, general manager Chris Polian, head coach Jim Caldwell and most of Caldwell’s assistant coaches were relieved of their duties by Irsay after the Colts finished the 2011 season with a dismal 2-14 record. Not to mention, the Colts’ four-time NFL MVP quarterback, Peyton Manning, did not play the entire season due to a neck injury.

With the finish this season, the Colts own the first pick in the April NFL Draft. Many reporters, analysts and fans believe that the Colts will take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with their top pick.This raises the question of what the Colts should do with Manning, the only quarterback besides Johnny Unitas to lead the Colts to a Super Bowl win.

Adding Luck to the roster will not only create a stiff quarterback competition when training camp begins, but will also put pressure on the Colts’ expenses. Manning is due a $28 million bonus on March 8. In order for Luck to sign, the rookie will most likely require a pretty-penny for his services.

Even though the NFL has instituted stricter pay scales for rookies, Luck will look at the contracts of the previous three top picks when negotiating his contract with the Colts. The contracts for those last three top picks, all quarterbacks, averages $68 million. Paying two players astronomically high salaries is not economically feasible for the Colts.

This, however, is where Irsay and Manning can lay the groundwork for the future of the organization. If I were Jim Irsay, I would look at the opportunity the Colts have. Irsay and Manning should realize that they can pick up a franchise quarterback when the Colts bring in Luck, a twotime Heisman Trophy runner-up. The Colts should restructure Manning’s contract so that the team can afford to pay both Manning and Luck. This will allow Manning to teach Andrew Luck about the nuances in the NFL. The last time the Colts had at least ten wins in a season before Manning arrived was in 1977. Since the arrival of Manning in 1998, the Colts have finished with at least ten wins 11 times. Manning transformed the franchise, the city of Indianapolis and gave an entire generation of aspiring NFL quarterbacks a great role model. Now is the time for Manning to give back to the franchise and its future.

February 7, 2012

www.theprairienews.com

Melissa Bauer-Herzog staff Writer

A

fter a rare week-long break, women’s basketball returned to the court on Feb. 4 to take on Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas.

The first half was a major battle between the two teams, with TWU starting the tally before WT took over the lead off of two baskets from Joni Unruh. The Lady Buffs grabbed an 8-3 lead, but it would again be cut into

by TWU with a jumper. TWU would soon tie for the lead and the teams swapped back and forth. However, after an 11-2 run, WT had an 32-21 lead at the break.

The second half would see a change of momentum as the Pioneers slowly ate into the WT lead. The Lady Buffs continued to fight back, but when the Pioneers went on a 15-2

run, TWU finally pulled ahead 39-38.

Kenisha Harris would be WT’s star as she made a bucket and then two free throws to get WT’s lead back, up by three points.

The Lady Buffs held the lead again until the 8:43 mark, falling behind by one point. The following minutes would see WT pull away again with TWU once again eating into their lead.

The Lady Buffs only lost the lead one more time in the game as TWU pulled ahead for the third time with a 51-50 lead.

The final minutes would see WT on top as the team grabbed the momentum again, working their way to a 63-54 lead. In the final 1:30, the Lady Buffs put the Pioneers out of their misery by going on a 3-2 run to end the game at 66-55.

Kenisha Harris came close to a career-tying high with 25 points. The sophomore also had 10 rebounds to

give her the first double-double of her career. Unruh added to her steals total by recording four in Denton. The team brought their shooting percentage up to 42 percent from the field after a rough start and went 77 percent from the charity stripe.

“I thought that we battled really hard and that it was a typical Lone Star Conference road game,” Head coach Krista Gerlich said. “I thought that we played pretty well the first half, as far as kind of controlling the game, but of course we had the general issues of basketball. They got back in it the second half and we really battled through and held on for the win.”

The win is WT’s third straight and takes their season record to 12-8 overall with 10-4 in the Lone Star Conference. They return to the First United Bank Center on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. against Abilene Christian.

life to the fullest.

“We want students to participate,” said Gerlich. “We want them to get the full college experience, which obviously athletics is a big part of the college experience. I think we have some students coming to the game but we’d really like for them to be our sixth man, to be a part of the game and to be a game changer.”

One of the problems some students have with the games has nothing to do with the sport. Instead it’s the lack of knowing when games are.

“I usually don’t know when there are games. I’d be more likely to go if there was more advertising,” Environmental Science senior Morgen Ayers said.

While there are groups of students that make their way to the FUBC to watch games, most of the cheering

comes from the group known as the Maroon Platoon. This rowdy group is often in the student section cheering the Lady Buffs and distracting the other team during the critical moments. But while the group may seem closed to those that don’t know much about them, President JD Newman encourages others to join in and support WT’s athletes.

“We want anyone to come that will come. If they just show up, we’ll welcome them in. Come to the games and yell, that’s what we’re all about,” Newman said.

The Lady Buffs are returning home on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. and will make their last regular season appearances later this month for a Pink-Out Game against Tarleton on Feb. 18 and a $200 Visa Gift Card Giveaway on Feb. 22 against Midwestern.

Fans wanted for Buffs Basketball Melissa Bauer-Herzog staff Writer

A

s the women’s basketball team goes into the final critical stretch of the regular season, the team works towards bringing more fans to the First United Bank Center.

The team only has three more regular season games at home, including two of their most important as they take on Midwestern State and Tarleton. In order to attract more WTAMU students to support the former National Championship winning team, each of these games has a promotion event, starting with a “Free Maroon T-Shirt” giveaway on Feb. 8.

Women’s Head Coach Krista Gerlich says trying to bring in students isn’t just about supporting the team but about students enjoying college

PHotos Courtesy of aMeriCan College CriCket

Right: WT Cricket President Navdeep Singh Uppal against Texas Tech.

Left: Southwest Regional Cricket competition at College Station.

See Cricket Club story on p. 6

the

Campus Life HeatBox brings free show to WT students Go Global 5

Prairie

students today at the JBK ryAn schAAp stAff Writer

T

he one-man entertainment system, other wise known as the HeatBox, will come to WTAMU on Feb. 7 to put on a show for students. By creating music from the ground up using a LoopStation RC-50 and a voice modulator, he is able to create layers of music with only his voice. He does not use any tracks or songs, which makes his performance raw and original.

“His style of voice is so unique and he makes all the sound that is being heard for his performance,” said Brianna Moore, a sophomore CORE consultant. “He literally has about fifty layers of sound going during his performance.”

“Every year we go to APCA (Association for Programming of Campus Activities) which is a talent show where people perform in hopes to take their talent to the college campuses,” Stephanie Bracket, assistant director of Student

Activities, said. “We take CORE students who choose someone they want to bring to campus.”

APCA is where CORE found Fiddler Natalie Stovall who has performed for WT in the past. This year, CORE students went to Corpus Christi to find HeatBox. “He does imitations of other singing artist along with his vocal beats,” said Kiana Garcia, a student consultant for diversity. “They need to be prepared for high intensity level, he brings a lot of fun and action.”

This performer is not like a typical beat-boxer because of the device in his hand. During his performance in Corpus Christi, he was able to say a word backwards, record it, and then play the track backwards which sounded like he was saying the actual word.

“It was really entertaining,” said Moore.

“You have to go because it’s nothing like you’ve never heard.”

HeatBox’s performance will take place at the JBK at 6 p.m. and it is a free show.

Cornette Library at WTAMU offers Kindles for checkout tAylor hurst stAff Writer

T

he Cornette Library has added a new addition to the shelves – six Kindles are now available for anyone with a Buff Gold card to check out.

“We want to build up our leisure reading collection for staff and students,” said Beth Vizzini, head of circulation for the Cornette Library. So far, the response to the Kindles has been very positive and the demand high.

The Kindles are limited to a 14-day checkout with no renewals, due to a high demand and a lengthy waiting list.

To keep it fun and interesting, this family of Kindles, the Fellowship Family, each has its own unique name. Gandalf, Frodo and Sam, just to name a few, can be viewed in the library’s online catalog.

“It’s good to know that our library supports our students through adopting technology that has shown to be more

relative to their learning styles,” said Dr. Tanner Robertson, assistant professor of Agricultural Media and Communications.

Those who wish to rent an e-book have the option to request book titles from Amazon.com. Each person may request up to two titles in which the library will then purchase the titles and add them to the collection. However, the library already has about 60 titles and games to choose from, including “The Help,” “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “Hunger Games,” and “Fellowship of the Ring.”

“I think that it will become another excellent resource that WT has to offer,” Sally Kennon, WT senior, said. “Hopefully in the future the library can get some more.”

Those who are interested in borrowing a Kindle may email a request or call the Cornette Library Circulation Unit. For more information, visit the circulation desk located on the first floor of the library.

February 7, 2012

www.theprairienews.com

Ashley hendrick stAff Writer

F

rom the prisons of Mexico to the waters of the Amazon River, WTAMU students are experiencing education in a variety of different ways through Go Global.

Go Global is a study abroad program created seven years ago by faculty members of the College of Education and Social Sciences department. Though connected to the Study Abroad program at WT, Go Global is not the traditional study abroad experience.

Dr. Eddie Henderson, dean of the COESS, said that rather than offering semester long trips overseas, Go Global offer students short term trips, anywhere from two to four weeks.

“Many of our students work fulltime, they have families, they haven’t traveled extensively and therefore being gone from home for a semester is a little daunting,” Henderson said. “So we found the short term experience allows them to manage the time.”

In the beginning, changing demographics of the area meant an increase in school population.

Teachers and school administration faced an increase in the number of students from Mexico, so the education department at WT decided to help narrow the cultural gap.

“We were trying to determine the best way to prepare those school administrators to address the needs of children coming directly from Mexico,” Henderson said. “We decided the most effective way to prepare was to take them to Mexico and have them visit and work in Mexican schools with Mexican children and Mexican families.”

Aside from quick trips, Go Global is also a faculty led program, meaning professors and faculty members also participate in the trip and are available for questions 24/7.

Shona Besselman, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Amarillo High School and former Go Global participant, explained that having a professor to ask questions and discuss the trip with is a special type of educational

experience and one met by Go Global.

“One of my favorite memories is having access to my professors the entire time,” Besselman said.

“We were riding down, basically, a tributary to the Amazon, listening to Dr. Henderson lecture as the sun went down and as we watched the jungle.”

Though the program began within the curriculum confines of the education department, it eventually extended to include the social work, political science and criminal justice departments as well.

In 2010, criminal justice students traveled to Mexico to learn about the Mexican prison system, including visiting a Mexican prison and police stations and were lectured by the one of the Mexican Supreme Court justices. “[The students] didn’t become experts on Mexican culture or criminology, but they did learn some pretty important things,” Dr. Keith Price, associate professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology, said. “For instance…that the criminal law in Mexico is based on Roman civil law [guilty until proven innocent] where American criminal law is based on English common law [innocent until proven guilty].”

Aside from shorter trips, access to faculty members and hands-on projects, Go Global also offers a significantly lower cost to travel than traditional study abroad programs, according to Henderson.

For Besselman, the cost of the program is something students need to look into before concluding it’s too pricey just because it’s Study Abroad.

“I don’t think people understand how much money it costs and how much of it they’re not paying,” Besselman said.

For students who are reluctant to travel overseas, Besselman said the experience is worth the time and effort.

“It’s something that you can add to who you are that will equip you to do what you need to do later,” Besselman said. “The more you’re able to participate in something like Go Global in a safe situation, the more contexts you will have to understand political decisions, economic decisions and your own personal living philosophies.”

6

the

Prairie

Campus Life

February 7, 2012

www.theprairienews.com

WTAMU Band goes to TMEA Daniela Fierro StaFF Writer

O

n Feb. 2, the Department of Music presented the WTAMU Symphonic Band with 65 musicians on stage.

Every four years, the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) holds auditions for their conference and WT has been selected for the 13th time in a row.

“It’s an honor and privilege to represent WT and the state of Texas,” Conductor Donald Lefevre said. “WT has been attending the TMEA all way back to the 60’s.”

Lefevre said they practiced five hours a week as a band since the middle of the fall 2011 semester with co-conductor Dr. Russ Teweleit.

“There is no doubt that this year’s ensembles are all very talented,” said

Lefevre. “I have no doubt that they will be in the top four.”

John Stacy, a Music Composition major and horn player, feels that playing in one of the best bands in the country is a great feeling.

“Going back to the TMEA gives me the feeling of completion,” said Stacy.

“Returning there is pretty amazing.”

Stacy also said that they practiced two hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday plus an additional hour per week for sectionals.

“Doing this is what I love,” said Stacy. “I couldn’t be happier.”

Biology major Ashley Davis said performance was soothing and interesting and she would like to come and see them perform again.

“It was very interesting and [the alto saxophone solo by James Barger was] by far my favorite part,” said Davis.

Cricket Club goes regional Brittany CaStillo StaFF Writer

O

n Jan. 28 and 29, the WTAMU Cricket Club traveled to College Station to compete in the southwest regional championship.

The 2012 American College Cricket tournament was WT’s first regional trip after forming the club this past fall. Players remained optimistic against their veteran competition.

“It was a first-time experience for our WT team,” player Saizad Prasla, Nursing major, said. “We did well.”

Texas universities traveled across the state to play on the new Texas A&M cricket field. A rookie team from the University of North Texas, should soon be joining the Texas cricket competitions in March 2012.

Having previously

beaten Texas Tech in a past tournament, Vice President Sahil Prasla enjoyed playing against the WT rival.

“My favorite part was playing against Tech,” Sahil, a Biology Secondary Education major, said.

Learning from the first regional experience, WT cricket players wasted no time improving and prepping for the next tournament. Weekly practice should develop their strengths as a winning team, said Saizad. “[We] practice once a week with other cricket teams from Amarillo and

sometimes with Texas Tech,” said Prasla. “We have strength to win against other teams if we practice regularly and we strengthen our pitching (bowling) side.”

Cricket Club supporter Alissa Harmon said the team shows obvious passion for the sport.

“I can tell they really enjoy it when Z [Saizad] talks about their games,” said Harmon, an Engineering major.

For Cricket pictures go to p. 4

7

the

Prairie

EntErtainmEnt

February 7, 2012

www.theprairienews.com

Last week’s answers

the

Prairie WT debuts “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Feb. 9 8

February 7, 2012

www.theprairienews.com

Alex MontoyA

StAff PhotogrAPher

Hermia (Julia Rucker) and Lysander (Levi Gore) enact a scene about love while Oberon (Josiah Robinson) watches.

Oberon (Josiah Robinson) putting the love potion flower juice on Lysander’s (Levi Gore) eyes.

Lysander (Levi Gore) and Demetrius (Nathan Gregory) compete for Helena’s (Kyla Williams) attention.

Helena (Kyla Williams) begging Demetrius (Nathan Gregory) to love her.

Drought reveals disappointing numbers for Texas JeSSicA BArtel StAff Writer

O

n Jan. 27, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued cattle inventory for 2011. The results showed a decline in cattle herds of 1.4 million to 11.9 million cattle and calves as of Jan. 1, 2012. In the state of Texas, that is a devastating 11 percent decline from 2010.

The cow numbers decreased 650,000 to 4.8 million head.

That being a 12 percent decline, the worst seen on record in the state in almost 150 years.

Similarly, Oklahoma had a 12 percent decrease with numbers going to 4.5 million

head, having a loss of 600,000 head of cattle. Oklahoma’s cow numbers were at 1.78 million, whereas now the state is down 90,000 head. From 2010, that is a 14 percent decrease in the state of Oklahoma.

Many cattle raisers were forced to make tough decisions due to the drought. Cattle raisers sold off old cattle and kept younger cows for smaller herds, others went to slaughter and few were able to lease land to send cattle to northern states.

Nebraska was one of the states Texas cattle were relocated. Nebraska’s total cattle herd increased to 6.45 million head. That was a 4 percent increase of 250,000

from 2010’s numbers.

Nebraska is now ranked the second largest cattle producing state in the nation.

Colorado was another state who received Texas cattle. Colorado’s cow and calf numbers were increased by 4 percent going to 880,000 while cattle and calves total increased to 2.75 million. With a 12 percent decline of cows in Texas, dairy cattle held their own with a 2 percent increase in population.

“Being in Region 6, the panhandle has had a substantial reduction of cattle due to the drought,” said Dr. Mike Brown, a professor of animal science.

“The nation has gradually and steadily maintained a robust

export market in cattle which is a major concern.”

Like many other ranches, WTAMU Nance Ranch concluded many drought management solutions.

Losing half of their grazing land to wild fires in late May forced them to cut numbers.

Reducing their herd over half the ranch sold older cattle and kept younger cows. With the drought, also come hay shortages and dry water tanks.

Therefore, cattle producers have been hit with the overwhelmingly high prices of hay and feed.

Nance Ranch employees researched cattle and money loss solutions. Manager Kelly Jones assisted the project,

which has been dubbed a semi cow confinement system. Researchers noted the economic advantages and disadvantages of keeping cattle closer in small pens. Cattle in the pasture require extra care like hauling hay and managing supplements.

“We are hoping for rain in the spring so we can turn our cattle back out,” said Jones.

Dr. David Lust, an instructor of animal science, also manages the cattle at Nance Ranch.

Soil erosion issues prevent releasing of cattle into pasture, explained Lust.

“Drought is not something new for Texas cattleman, most will rebuild when conditions improve,” said Lust.