TheSouthTexan.com Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Monday, July 12, 2021
JAVELINA GOING TO OLYMPICS
SPORTS PG.4
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Vol. 95, Issue 23
Enrollment fluctuations, COVID-19’s impact on retention Declining enrollment has negative impact
Aryssa Enriquez | Editor-in-Chief chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com
With only six weeks left before the Fall 2021 semester begins the university finds itself fighting against the negative impact of remote learning and a declining trend in enrollment.
As of June 30, only 4,192 students have registered for the fall semester. If the number doesn’t change the university is looking at a 39 percent drop in enrollment year over year. “Currently, the entire campus is redoubling outreach efforts to connect with students who have not yet enrolled for the fall semester. Advisors, admissions staff, faculty, and deans are all working to contact students via e-mail, phone call, or
text to offer support, assistance, and guidance. If these students are experiencing challenges, we want them to know that they are part of the Javelina family, and we care and are ready to do whatever we can to help them solve their problems,” Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Lou Reinisch said. Colleges across campus have implemented differSee Enrollment, Pg 4
Saying goodbye, new adventures Unive rsit y sees 15 retirees
Ronni Reyna | News Editor news.editor@thesouthtexan.com
As another school year comes to an end, summer arrives and COVID-19 starts to subside, professors and university staff members started officially announcing their retirement. For the spring and summer of 2021, 15 university professors and staff members announced their retirement. With a combined total of 422 years of service dedicated to the university between them, there is no doubt these professors and staff members have left their mark on students. “I’ve taught American literature and writing and creative writing
Dr. Downs teaching.
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In case you missed it Febuary freeze damage to be fixed by fall 2022. The low temperatures that caught everyone by surprise in mid-February has left a lasting impact on The School of Music.
Curtosey of Javelina Alumni Association
Bruce Schueneman in the El Ranchro 1982 (Left), Scheneman July 2021 in his ofice (right)
and that continued all the way through, I was immersed,” Professor of English Dr. Cathy Downs said. Downs has been teaching at the university since September 1995. “When you’re writing the challenge is often yourself, so you have to encourage yourself that you’re going to be
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okay and that you have to keep going, you also have to fight down your pride and say ‘I make mistakes too, where are they?’ and keep editing until you make it the best you can, so that’s a challenge,” she said. Downs credits working at a small university for her freedom to explore American literature. “I wasn’t lazy, so I couldn’t say this year I could have worked harder. Whenever I could publish I did, so I can’t say I should have published more. I gave students tons of feedback, I don’t know if I made them any better but I gave my all. I try not to live my life so that I’m embarrassed or wish I could do it over,” she said. Downs said the deci-
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sion to retire came naturally. “My first day of class I was so nervous I wouldn’t do a good job. I’m sure I had notes and on the other hand I was young, and I just knew I was great. Now when I go into a classroom, I don’t need that many notes because I know what I need to do and I know what works. I don’t cry when I come into the office, my husband is here now and we’re settled. I have confidence, I didn’t have confidence then. I was overwhelmed then and now I know what I have to do to make everything work,” she said Downs is currently pursuing a degree in geology and has amassed a total of 20 credit hours towards her degree. She See Retirees, Pg 2
2021 Distinguished Alumni Awards Javelina Alumni Association announces annual awards
Ronni Reyna | News Editor news.editor@thesouthtexan.com
The Javelina Alumni Association recently announced it 2021 Distinguished Alumni Awards. The annual awards are given to outstanding alumni who are successful professionally and personally while positively representing the university. This year four alumni received the Distinguished Alumni Awards. They are Armando Hinojosa Class of ’66, retired U.S. Army Col. Bob A. Bowden Class of ’86 Ph.D., Dr.
Linda Mora Class of ’68, and I.J. “Chip” Berthelot II Class of ’82. The Rising Star Award, established in 2003, was given to Josh Ruiz who graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a minor in business. Ruiz has received several awards, “including the NASA Group Achievement Award for the NASA Spacecraft Fuel Cell Development Team and iPAS Pathfinder Team. At the NASA Space Center, he designed and flight certified a ground-based ISS Columbus Module Simulator which interfaces with flight-ready satellites in verification of control relays, transducers and power simulation. Ruiz was also recognized as an EngiSee Alumni, Pg 4
TAMUK, TikTok, the Javelina experience University’s account reaches almost 500 follows
Sarah Reyna |Senior Reporter
With over 2 billion downloads of the app worldwide, TikTok has become one of the biggest social media platforms to date. Because of its extreme popularity, the Marketing and Communications (MARCOM) department decided to create a TikTok account last month to showcase student life on campus through the eyes of a Javelina student. “As a marketer, it’s hard not to want to be part of that space but I knew our content would have to be a delicate mix of trend and
helpful content that reflected the university’s brand well,” Assistant Director of Marketing Krystal Emery said. In order to make sure the social media account had a potential to reach success, it was important the department found the right student to run the account. TAMUK’s Student Ambassador Trenton Payne is now the face of Javelina Nation’s TikTok account. Since the first video posted less than a month ago, the account has reached almost 500 followers and over 1,000 total likes on the page’s videos. The videos posted to the account are created by Payne and Jake Gonzalez, a communications specialist. While both individuals
brainstorm ideas based on the latest viral trends, Payne is the one who ends up in front ofw the camera. In the past, MARCOM has worked with students to help create content for social media, but Payne is the first official student social media for the university. “The coolest thing about being highlighted on the account is meeting new people that recognize me from the videos,” Payne said. “I love being able to interact with as many people as I can.” While the videos have been inspired by some of the biggest trends on TikTok, the focus of the account is to showcase See TikTok , Pg 2
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Student Tiktok ambassador Trent Payne during TAMUK’s first post
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TAMUK holds campus tours differently this year COVID-19 puts a halt to regular orientation tours
SarahReyna| Senior Reporter
Because of the ongoing worldwide pandemic, the university must host tours of TAMUK a little differently. Instead of the yearly orientation tours given to incoming freshmen and transfer students in large groups, students can schedule one-on-one campus and group tours Monday to Friday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Campus tours are being offered very differently this year as opposed to previous years. If families do not want an in-person tour, they can schedule a drive through campus tour.
In this tour guests follow a guided map with nine stops at popular campus spots and scan QR codes to listen to a narration about each location. Guests can also schedule self-guided tours. Here they are given a detailed map with descriptions of each building and location on campus they will visit. Students can also attend the Javelina Experience, an extension to their orientation online modules. The dates for that are July 12 to 15, July 17 and Aug. 2 to 5. Each weekday is designated to a specific academic college. “[During the Javelina Experience, students] will get a taste of what a new student orientation would have been like since they are able to meet other students in their major or academic college, meet their academic deans, academic advisors and department faculty and staff, as
well as interact with our student leaders,” Orientation Leader Clarissa Benavides said. “They are also able to view residence halls, speak with financial aid representatives, and review last minute information.” When students schedule tours this year, the incoming Javelina and the family who will be joining them must complete a COVID-19 Self-Assessment to ensure nobody visiting the campus has COVID or any symptoms, reducing the spread of the virus. “We are working closely with the university’s COVID response team to ensure we are adhering to all safety guidelines and university policies regarding social distancing and other pandemic guidelines,” Assistant V.P. for Enrollment Management Dr. Darin Hoskisson said. “We have seen a steady increase in requests for tours and we will continue to work to
Javelina Rebound offers debt reduction for eligible students PressRelease|MARCOM
Texas A&M-Kingsville is helping remove financial barriers for nearly 800 students with outstanding account balances by eliminating that debt, allowing students to complete their college degrees with less of a financial burden. The Javelina Rebound program leverages federal support from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and will cover debt owed to the institution incurred by students during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic impacted our students and their families in a number of ways, and in many cases, students were unable to complete their courses,” Texas A&M-Kingsville President Dr. Mark A. Hussey said. “We are committed to ensuring that the students of South Texas are not hindered by debt when it comes to earn-
ing their degree, and the Javelina Rebound program reflects that commitment. This program will help our students rebound and bounce back from the struggles and frustrations they faced during the height of the pandemic.” Students who had an outstanding balance as of June 30, 2021, stemming from Summer 2020, Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 semesters as of June 30, 2021, are eligible for the debt reduction program. The program does not reduce debt that is associated with federal student loans or private loans. Students with outstanding account balances are unable to register for classes or access their university transcripts. By reducing this debt, students will be able to work toward enrolling in fall classes. “Texas A&M-Kingsville is invested in our
students’ success because we know the impact a degree from this institution can have on students and their families,” Vice President of Enrollment Services and Student Affairs Dr. Rito Silva said. “Through Javelina Rebound, we are not only making education accessible, we are also reducing the amount of debt our students must shoulder once they graduate. Our students deserve no less.” COVID-19’s impact on the nation’s economy has underscored the value of a college degree. During the height of the pandemic, Peek unemployment rates were twice as high for individuals with only a high school degree compared to individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree. For more information on Javelina Rebound, please visit www.tamuk. edu/Rebound or watch https://youtu.be/LTBTUaOt8Gw.
Courtesy of tamuk.edu
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student life at the university as well as showing the complete college experience. “TikTok provides us with one more platform with which to engage prospective and current students along with recent Javelina graduates,” Director of Marketing and Communications Adriana Garza said. “We will produce content that stays light, while highlighting the campus activities, Javelina culture and information that students can use.” Follow TAMUK’s TikTok @javelinanation to stay up to date with student and campus life.
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Student Tiktok ambassador Trent Payne posing in the SUB
Submitted Photo Group picture from summer tours on campus
provide these opportunities.” Tours play a big role in recruiting. They allow students the opportunity to experience everything the university has to offer. Despite not being able to hold regular orientation tours, the university’s campus tours have had a positive impact this summer. In June alone 400 Gear-Up students visited the campus. However, TAMUK
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also plans to travel during her retirement. “The travel that I want to do is all about going to look at rocks. I want to go look at a lot of rocks. I already do that in real life, but I’d like to do it some more,” she said. Downs said COVID-19 ultimately led to her decision to retire. “Writing is important not because your teacher told you to do it but because it can take you places that otherwise you couldn’t go. It can take you places of the intellect; it can take you places of communication or self-expression and it is a way of exploring the world that’s like science, like in a chemistry lab, but you do it with a pen and paper and anyone can do it so I want to say keep writing, write on,” Downs concluded. Library Director Bruce Schueneman also retired. “Since 2011, I have served the university as Library Director. The Library Director oversees and manages all library operations. From 1979 to 2011, I served the university in a variety of roles, including Government Documents Librarian, Interlibrary Loan Librarian, Reference Librarian, Head of Technical Services and Associate Director of
tours have suffered from COVID-19 as well. “The negative impact from canceled group tours that were scheduled after Spring Break 2020: 1,954 [high school] students and 45 transfer students,” Senior Admissions Counselor Miguel Briseño said. “This does not include over 400 additional students from Summer Camps (band, engineering, agriculture, athletics, Jr. ROTC, and Student Access) that attract students to our
campus.” With more and more people getting vaccinated, the demand for TAMUK’s regular orientation tours is increasing. Planning for a normal 2021-2022 recruiting season is already in the works. This includes Javelina Preview Days, College for a Day and many other activities the pandemic has halted. However, the options for the self-guided and drive through tours will still be given.
Systems and Technical Services. For a period in the mid-1990s, I taught the two American History survey courses,” Schueneman said. Schueneman was first hired by the university in fall 1979. “I have had a full career from junior librarian to director. Additionally, I earned a second master’s degree while working at TAMUK, and learned to play the violin at TAMUK’s School of Music. I have been privileged to work with great colleagues over the years, both within the library and in the university,” he said. Schueneman lists his health as a major factor in his decision to retire. “Though it will be difficult to leave TAMUK after 42 years, after consideration and discussion with my wife, we decided that this was the best time for us. It was not a difficult decision,” he said. Schueneman and his wife Dr. Maria Ayala-Schueneman will stay in Texas while his lung cancer is monitored from a previous surgery in March, but plan to soon move closer to their children and grandchildren. “I would like to thank all the colleagues I have worked with over the years, including the many students that I’ve worked with and for. Knowing that I have helped such students –
even if only to a small degree, is the greatest satisfaction of my career,” he said His wife has also retired. “It has been a great experience, both as a student and as a librarian. I have learned a lot, grown a lot, and met many students and faculty, great people,” Associate Director of Public Service Dr. Ayala-Schueneman said. Ayala- Schueneman states COVID-19 was the greatest challenge of her career. “I am Associate Director for Public Services and all the departments in the Library that deal with the public are my areas of responsibility: Access Services, Interlibrary Loan, Government Documents, Reference, Bibliographic Instruction, and South Texas Archives,” she said. Ayala- Schueneman says her husband’s health was a big contributor to her decision to retire. “It is a hard decision. A lot of documents need to be filed but most important and hardest is to write that note to my supervisor to let her know I will be retiring. That is what makes it final,” she said. After 37 and a half years Ayala-Schueneman says there is nothing she would change about her time working at the university.
Entertainment
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Review: Disney and Pixar’s Luca A fun, new movie for the whole family to watch RaeMartinez| Reporter
Earlier this month, Disney and Pixar released another movie called Luca, and it is safe to say they did not disappoint. This coming-of-age film follows Luca, a shy sea monster who spends his days herding fish. One day, Luca encounters another sea monster named Alberto, who coaxes him into leaving the water. Luca knows it is not safe for someone like him to leave, but like everyone else, he is consumed
with curiosity and follows Alberto onto the land. What happens next will be for me to know and for you to find out by watching the movie that is now streaming on Disney+ *insert wink*. Personally, I think Disney and Pixar could not have released this movie at a more perfect time. This movie has a summer feel to it, which is appropriate considering summer has just begun. It almost feels as if we commenced summer with this
movie. Luca will have you wishing you were spending your summer swimming and eating all the spaghetti and gelato possible; all the more reason to add “go to Italy” to your bucket list. If I am being completely honest, the plot of this movie is not new. We have seen it before in other movies like Coco, Brave, Moana and many more movies created by Disney and Pixar. Luca is your typical don’t-be-afraid-to-dowhat-you-love, emb r a c e - w h o - y o u - a re -
meant-to-be kind of movie, the only difference is that it is based in Italy. Like Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Luca is anxious to know what the human world is like. He too ends up going, finds out about the joys of being human, gets in a bit of trouble, solves it and everything turns out okay in the end. Like I said, nothing new. Nevertheless, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Luca is proof that Disney and Pixar can still manage to make something different out of something
Courtesy of @pixarluca Instagram we have seen before. Overall, I give this movie a 9.5/10. The animation was good, the
characters were charming, I laughed, I cried, and I laughed again. I will watch it again.
How to Adult: First Impressions Tips on how to nail your first meetings Ronni Reyna| News Editor news.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Review: While You Were Sleeping AnnalisaPerales| Reporter
My adventure diving into the genre of Korean dramas continues as another drama has captured my heart. The drama of While You Were Sleeping begins with Nam Hong-Joo who as a child has always had futuristic visions during her courses of sleeping. As she usually tries to change the visions from happening, Hong-Joo has learned they cannot be stopped until she meets a strange prosecutor by the name of Jung Jae-Chan. On a snowy evening, Jae-Chan changes the events of an accident involving not only an egotistical lawyer and pedestrian but Hong-Joo as well. After explaining why he went to great and questionable lengths to Hong-Joo and the vision of what happens after
the horrific accident that was intended to take place, she thanks him Learning that JaeChan as well as the pedestrian, Han Woo-Tak can have visions while sleeping, it is only a matter of time before their lives become entangled together. The drama goes out of its way to take a new perspective on the idea of one having “visions” due to the way the three characters handle what they see and how they can change the outcome. Many aspects within the drama keep the audience interested in the storyline such as the cinematography and performance of the actors. Throughout the show, the lighting changes depending on the mood of the scenes taking place as more than often it stays soft and light as a nice dream would be portrayed throughout
sleeping. But as things become serious and dangerous, the lighting begins to darken giving off the feeling of a nightmare beginning to occur. The actor Lee JongSuk portrays his character of Jae-Chan perfectly as he can fully invest in the part, conveying his scenes during trials with genuine concern for his clients. Many actors in the drama such as Lee Sang-Yeob, who plays our fellow egotistical lawyer, also invests in his role as he becomes a character that you learn to despise but also love due to the performance that is given. Overall, While You Were Sleeping is a drama worth watching especially for those who are interested in legal and thriller shows. If you are interested in watching or giving the drama a chance, it can be found on Viki.
First impressions are so important especially as a college student about to enter the work force; first impressions can make or break your career. You should already know how to make a decent first impression but due to COVID you may be a little behind as human interaction dwindled throughout the pandemic. But do not fear, we are here to give you some advice, a few tips, and a few refreshers to make sure your first encounters with professors, students and potential employers goes well. Now you have heard
this before, but dress for success. You may not think much about what you wear, but when you first meet people, it leaves an impact as to how they see you. We are not saying t-shirts are a no-go but for your first day of school try dressing up a little. It shows you are serious and are respectable. And of course, when it comes to a job interview it is important to look your best. A nice dress shirt, tie and slacks or a modest dress, blouse or pantsuit shows you want what you came for. You will also want to work on a good handshake - no COVID did not end them completely; it is still an important skill you need to possess.
Make sure you have a firm grip, introduce yourself clearly and make eye contact. If you do not make eye contact when introducing yourself, your first impression may not be memorable, and you need to stand out against any competition you may face. However you decide to make a first impression always present yourself in a clear manner and be yourself. If you cannot be yourself when you first meet someone you may never be your true self around them. First impressions are important so make sure to be you and be clear. Now, go out and conquer.
Review: L.E. Ramey Golf Course A real hole in one MakaylahChavez| Reporter
Some of the most surprising treasures are found in the spots that nobody looks. Living in Kingsville, most places you will want to go are either on 14th Street or on Highway 77. If you are looking for an activity, however, most students would rather take a quick trip to Corpus Christi. But what if I challenged you to stick around town and find something to do here? It should not be a problem thanks to the L.E. Ramey Golf Course. If you do not drive behind Highway 77, behind the beloved Starbucks, you will probably never encounter this
gorgeous golf course. L.E. Ramey is an 18-hole golf course that includes a driving range and a delicious looking snack bar inside. I know golf is not a lot of people’s first choice activity, but it would be so fun to try it out and get a feel for it. It would also be a great excuse to buy a golf skirt. Not a lot of college students play golf daily so it would be safe to assume we do not have a pair of golf clubs lying around. Not a problem! You can rent clubs for $15 a set. If I am just golfing for a day or trying it out, I would much rather do that than buy an expensive set at Academy or someplace else. For a very scenic golf course and for any golf course in general, the prices are not too shabby. If you want to play some holes on a weekday, it will cost you $24. A weekend would be $26.
Being out on the course playing 18 holes usually takes about four hours, so it is about $6 to $7 an hour, which is good if you are okay with being out that long. Even better, if you bring your best friend along, this golf course has a special Mondays to Thursdays, which is 2 for $30. So, you would get a good discount and the company of your favorite friend for a few hours. I am sold, someone take my money! But here is the best news: There is a student discount rate. College students are welcome all the time. They have a student rate that is 18 holes for only $13. All they require is a student ID and you will be good to go. If you are anything like me and do not think you would be able to survive being in the heat for an 18-hole game, no
need to worry. At the L.E. Ramey Golf Course you can get a reduced price if you are only up for playing 9 holes. And thank goodness for that because in this Texas summer heat, that might be the best option. If you are thinking about trying this place out but do not want to commit to playing on the actual golf course, no need to fear because there is a driving range in its own little area. So, you can just work on your swing and hit a bucket of balls for anywhere from $3 to $9 depending on how many golf balls you want to hit. Overall, this picturesque 18-hole golf course is a good one with a great layout. They have been working to beautify the course for the enjoyment of the guests and have plans to continue this effort to
Courtesy of https://www.kingsvillegolf.com/rates make your experience one you will not forget
and one you will keep wanting to relive.
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Gill earns a spot in the Olympics
Represting his country Belize
DylanSanchez| Sports Editor sports.editor@thesouthtexan.com
This year’s Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, will feature a current Javelina. Sophomore Shaun Gill from Belize City, Belize, will not only represent his homeland in South America but he also represents Javelina Nation. Gill, due to COVID-19, did not compete his first season here on campus but came ready to compete during the 2021 indoor track season, competing in the Washburn Open in Topeka, Kan., and Lone Star Conference Indoor Championships. In the national meet, Feb. 20-21, Gill ended
the meet with a sixthplace finish in the 60m with a time of 7.00. Gill, along with his teammates, trained for the outdoor season and was successful throughout the season. The outdoor track campaign saw Gill post a personal best 22.27 in the 200m dash at the Bobcat Invitational on March 25 to 27, taking home a 12th overall finish. A week later on April 2, he would have another personal best finish in the 100m dash at 10.75 at the David Noble Relays in San Angelo, Texas. Head coach Ryan Dall is proud of Gill. “It’s great that Shaun has this opportunity to compete at the Olympics. It will be a great experience for him,” Dall said. “I’m very proud of
him for being selected by his country. I know that the other athletes on the team will have a lot of questions for him about the experience, and I think it inspires them to really go for their goals.” Gill is a sophomore with more years to grow and gain experience in order to be ready for more opportunities like this one. Gill will be running in the 100m dash for his country along with his fellow countrywoman Samantha Dirks who will compete in the 400m. The men’s 100m preliminary round will take place on Saturday, July 31, followed by the semifinal round on Sunday, Aug. 1. The 100m finals are scheduled for later in the evening on Aug. 1. “This selection was
Javelina Athletics
Shaun Gill competing in the 100m dash.
based on their performances over the years leading up to the Olympic Games. We are confident that these two athletes will continue to
represent us well at these events,” reads a letter from the Belize Athletics Association. Due to COVID-19 spikes in Tokyo, the
Olympics will be held without spectators but can be viewed on television. The Tokyo 2021 Olympics begins July 23 and ends Aug. 8.
Tickets on sale for 2021-2022 Javelinas return to Pepsi Field DylanSanchez| Sports Editor
sports.editor@thesouthtexan.com
A home crowd will be welcomed back into Javelina Stadium this fall after a tough year from COVID-19. With the return of a full fall football schedule, and fans being allowed back to fill up the seats, ticket sales are on, including season tickets. General admissions will sell for a standard $10 person and a season ticket holder will need to pay $47. Section A & F will be available for $13 a game with season tickets going for $58. Section B & E will go for $15 a game with season tickets being sold at $70.
Section C & D will sell for $18 a game with season tickets being sold for $88. For box seats, fans will need to pay $25 a game with a season pass going for $117. Seeing the fans back this year will be a fresh sight for the football team this year, but it will also bring comfort to the fans once the customs of game day return. Assistant Coach John Cotton said it will be great to have the fans back. “We’re excited about the opportunity to show everyone that COVID has sort of moved on and even though everyone is going to be safe, healthy and distant, we can return to normal,” he said.
This year, all season ticket sales will be eligible for the purchase of one Jalisco Zone Pass for $75. The Jalisco Zone is the hospitality area located across from the stadium during all home Javelina football game days. Those who reserve two season tickets are eligible for the purchase of a $40 VIP season parking pass next to McCulley Hall during home game days. Secondaries Coach Johnathan Petty describes what the fans will see and the impact they will have on this new campaign. “I think it is going to be great to have the fans back,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about this city
and the fans that come out to support the Javelinas, and I think it’ll just be an added boost for us. It’s just going to show our guys that the fans and community care about this football team’s success.” The Texas A&M -Kingsville football team is set to return to action this fall starting with a road trip on Sept. 4 to Saginaw Valley State, while the first home game is set for Sept. 11 against Western Oregon at Pepsi Field at Javelina Stadium. Tailgating will return and be, as in years past, on a first-come, firstserve basis at the lot next to the parking lot at Pepsi Field at Javelina Stadium.
Amonte Bowen running through the Falcons
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ent outreach strategies to encourage students to finish their degree at TAMUK. “There are still about 200 students that have not registered, but our advisors are working hard and setting up appointments for registration every day. I’ve decided to text students myself, and about 35 percent actually respond back,” Associate Dean of Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. William Kuvlesky said. “This is not the first time enrollment has dropped, and we’ve been able to bring it up. I’m focusing and staying positive about what we are doing to increase enrollment.” The Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is also offering scholarships and financial support to increase enrollment and retention rates. As of Tuesday, July 6 about 500 students from the College of Arts and Sciences had not re-registered. The list was broken down by chair and program. Throughout the past three years, the College of Arts and Sciences has experienced fluctuations in enrollment. “It’s a challenging
neering Leader Under 40,” according to Marketing and Communications press release. The Alumni Association also recognized Fred Nuesch with the Blue and Gold Service award. Nuesch has been serving the university for more than 50 years. He was surprised and honored by the award. “To be recognized by the Javelina Alumni Association is a great honor,” he said. “The Blue and Gold Service Award is presented to a deserving individual, business, or organization that embodies the four pillars of the association, are connected with the university and community, has Javelina Spirit, and supports the values and mission of the institution. It can only be awarded to an individual who did not graduate from the university,” according to tamuk.edu. Nuesch served as the Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations for 35 years, and continues to serve the university as the Coordinator of External Affairs. “I feel I owe my sincere appreciation to the university for allowing
time for all of our programs. Growth is important, that is how we keep thriving. Factors have changed since 2018, UTRGV was just starting up. Geographically there’s Laredo, A&M San Antonio, A&M Corpus and us. There’s competition in the region, so the challenge for us is to be thinking about the next step. Are our programs relevant? Are our programs meeting the needs of our students for the job market? Out of those kinds of situations we stop, we assess, re-evaluate, re-envision and if we need to re-create a program,” Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Dolores Guerrero said. Although there is competition within the region, the College of Arts and Science has experience growth in their master’s programs but has been on a steady de-
cline in the undergraduate programs. In efforts to ease the registering process, TAMUK has decided to extend office hours to ensure staff is available to answer student questions. In just one week, 454 students have registered for fall courses, bringing the First Time In College (FTIC) retention rate up from 54.4 percent to 56.1 percent. “There is no silver bullet when it comes to enrollment challenges. The recruitment team has already put in lots of hard work, and we know we will do more. We have to work closely with our alumni, many of whom are passionate advocates for this university,” Vice president of Enrollment Services and Student Affairs Dr. Rito Silva said. “They can be some of our best recruiters. We will be asking those teaching in
public schools throughout South Texas and the Brush Country area to encourage their students to give us a chance to be their school of choice. We also know we have to improve customer service across campus. Addressing enrollment— both recruitment and retention—will take all of the campus working together to ensure a successful future for South Texas students.” As enrollment continues to change, the university is looking closely at course schedules and operating budget “It is too early to tell what impact enrollment will have on the university’s operating budget. No matter what the outcome is on the operating budget, we will not decrease the quality of our academic programs. Quality academic programs are non-negotiable,” Reinisch said.
Javelina Athletics
me to be a part of the Javelina family for 53 years. I know there is no other college or university where I could have had such a career. And I have always been appreciative for the opportunity of being here,” Nuesch said In 2017 Nuesch was named Sports Information Director Emeritus and is the first person to be awarded this title within the A&M System. “I hope I have been able to spread the good feeling and privilege of being a Javelina. I don’t think I could have worked at a better athletic department or university, and I hope I have been able to express this through all that I have done,” he said. “Any success I’ve had or any honors I have received I owe to the university. It has enabled me to do what I love and what more could you ask for?” The Distinguished Alumni Award honorees will be recognized in October during TAMUK’s homecoming week. For more information regarding the ceremony and the Javelina Alumni Association visit https:// www.javelinagiving.org/ JavelinaAlumni.
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“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 redress of grievances.”
Climate change
To put it simply, climate change is the long term change of temperature and weather patterns in an area. When we think climate change, we think the world is getting hot. True, but there is much more than that. Some signs of climate change include changing rain and snow patterns, stronger storms, higher temperatures, dam-
Makaylah Chavez Reporter
aged corals, etc. Although weather can be caused by natural variability, human induced climate change is the main issue at hand. When we burn fossil fuels, we are producing carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas, into the air. This produces a greenhouse effect that makes the Earth warmer. Although these changing temperatures are not ideal, if you look at it from a realistic standpoint, what is going on will only continue at the same rate. Global warming can be reduced if we decrease global emissions of carbon dioxide, but sadly, that’s asking for a lot. Fossil fuels supply 80 percent of the world’s energy and are used to make plastic and steel. The production of gas is responsible for .3C of the 1C increase in global temperatures. As for oil, when burned, releases a third of the world’s total carbon emissions. To make matters worse, there have been numerous oil spills that have only been a detriment to the ocean’s ecosystem. The reason the ask for a decrease in global emissions is unrealistic is because we rely too much on these fossil fuels. Thousands of jobs are supplied in the oil field because we rely on this production so much. Asking for a decrease will not only effect our GDP, but
Our Opinion: Texas’ Taxes should not fund border wall
Texan Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday June 16 signed to make a deposit of $250 million of state budget money for a Texas border wall. The money will be taken from the state’s Department of Criminal Justice and allocated to the Texas Facilities Commission, which plans to build the wall. The money will be taken from the agency’s 2023 fiscal budget. In budget discussions, Democratic Texas Senators were given no indication that this discussed
and planned budget would go to the border wall. “Building a wall from El Paso to Brownsville is the most expensive and least effective way to do border security and it’s a huge waste of taxpayer money,” Sen. Cesar Blanco of El Paso said. If the state wants to spend money on border security it should spend it on modern technology that is less expensive and more effective than a wall, he added. Plans for a Mexico border wall have been
circling since former President Donald Trump began his presidential campaign in 2016, using the platform of border security to run his presidential campaign. At an estimated cost of $20 million per mile, the $250 million transferred from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice would realistically only build 12.5 miles of the border wall.Abbott expects people to donate their money and land for the wall, but most people say they would not give their land for govern-
ment use. Which leads to the question of whether eminent domain will be used to seize land for Abbott’s border wall. Though the talk of building a border wall is very much present in Texas and America, we are still years away from seeing if this plan will come to fruition as the $250 million isn’t designated until the 2023 budget. However, the question still remains, does Texas really need a border wall, and would it really stop illegal immigration?
might cause thousands of people to lose their jobs. You might be thinking, well if global warming continues you aren’t just taking away jobs, you’re taking away lives. Fair point. I wish I could tell you that if we work together we can reduce these factors of climate change, but even if we do our best, the global temperature will remain at a constant of where it is at right now, which is already substandard. Nobody wants to live in a world where weather patterns are getting worse, but sadly we do. No matter what stance you take on the topic, climate change is real. The big question is can we do something to stop it? Theoretically yes, realistically no.
Letter to the Editor: UFO mystery
For the last 30 days the news media has been reporting that our military service for several years now, has seen and videoed several UFOs. Some of these UFOs are real but they are not from some other universe. For the most part, I believe that they are business made UFOs. Some of them are falling space junk, some of them are forms of “ball
lightning” and some or most of them are the creations of the military industrial complex or military monopoly corporations. WHAT! Why would the military monopoly corporations create a fast UFO vehicle or missile and not tell the public? Answer: so they can make more profit. One of their schemes is to scare the public and
politicians into giving more taxpayer money to the behemoth military budget so the military corporations can make more profit for their shareholders and CEOs. It’s funny how these UFOs basically only appear in front of military jet cameras. Most UFO sightings are just another wealth inequality scheme that indirectly supports the
very rich. Now there is a chance that little green men are using flying saucers for an earth drive-tour, but once they realize what kind of messed up social, political, and economic systems the earthlings have, they look at each other and say “don’t stop don’t stop, KEEP GOING!” Tomas Cantu, economic researcher
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