"We have changed the way we do things dramatically over the past few years and these are just a couple of the indicators that all your hard work is paying off," Gonzales said.

According to staff in the college’s information technology department, by the end of the summer over $600,000 will have been spent on phase I of a much-needed network infrastructure project. Funding for the project comes primarily from a Title V grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

"In many ways we were operating with a ‘Model A’ system and this moves us much closer to state-of-the-art," said David Sprott, assistant director of information technology. "We started work first at our campuses in Eagle Pass and Del Rio and then came to the Uvalde campus."

SWTJC Information Technology Director Agustin Alejandro said actual work on various equipment installation and upgrades began in January.

"We started right after the first of the year and since then we have replaced outdated routers and switches throughout the system, installed over 20 new servers and started installing a new phone system," said Alejandro.

The first part of the summer has been devoted to testing the new system to insure it is working according to plan. "It has been a big project and I commend all the IT staff for getting the job done with very few glitches," Alejandro said.

Increased speed, efficiency, capacity and security are the main benefits the project will bring to college students, faculty and staff.

One of the new systems in the upgrade is an "active directory" aimed at improving security. "The active directory will limit access throughout the system and this will be a big improvement to our security," said Colleague System Administrator Denise Oden.

Increased speed is another anticipated benefit. "We are expecting 10 times faster network operations with the improvements we’ve made and that should make everyone happier," Sprott said.

Of the new servers installed, four each are dedicated to the voice over phone system and active directory. An additional four exchange servers will accommodate faculty, staff and student e-mail.

Other servers are designated for web content management, web advisor (online registration), synoptics (extracting data for financial reports) and e-commerce (the college’s electronic payment system).

An emergency notification system which can utilize e-mail, text messaging, phone messaging, Twitter and Facebook will also be available through the new improvements. A document imaging server will improve efficiency by making it easier to move student information from site to site across the college’s 11-county service area.

The college also hopes to improve student retention through a Datatel retention alert system which will notify counselors and advisers when students fall behind in their attendance and grades.

Lack of capacity and outdated technology were the main impetus behind installing a new phone system. The new system has been installed in Eagle Pass and Del Rio, as well as in the Flores Student Services Building, the Administration Building and the information technology offices on the Uvalde campus.

"Not only was the old system outdated, there was simply no room left to add any additional lines," Sprott said. "By installing a new system, that runs through our network, we can now add phones anywhere we have network access."

Plans call for the remainder of the Uvalde campus, the Crystal City Instructional Facility and facilities the college utilizes in Pearsall and Hondo, to become part of the new phone system over the next year.

In addition to providing a new server for web content management, the college will launch an entirely new web presence this fall. Rachel Hinman is in charge of getting the new web site up and running.

"Our network is the backbone for most of our day-to-day operations and these improvements are essential to meeting the needs of our students, faculty and staff throughout our service area," SWTJC Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Dr. Blaine Bennett said.

According to Bennett, phase I of the network upgrade is the result of needs assessments his office does on a continuous basis.

"The ability to stay current with technology is always a struggle, especially in these tough financial times," Bennet said. "But we are constantly looking at ways to increase efficiency and quality of service and by utilizing some grant money for phase I we have definitely taken a big step forward."

"We have been pleased with the number of students taking advantage of online registration the first week," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said Friday. "We hope this is an indication of another strong enrollment this fall."

According to Barker, advisor-assisted registration will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

"We will be using Monday to update all our counselors and advisors on changes that have gone into effect for the fall," Barker said. "We will not begin advising students and registering them until Tuesday."

Any student who is required to take a developmental class is ineligible for online registration and must visit with an advisor to register for classes.

Students must make an appointment and get a time permit to register. In Uvalde, appointments can be scheduled at the Admissions Office in the Flores Student Services Building or by calling 591-7255. At other campuses, time permits can be obtained by contacting the main administration office.

"Requiring time permits speeds up the registration process for students and staff," Barker said. "We won’t be registering anyone unless they have a time permit."

Starting Tuesday, advisor-assisted registration will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 and 1:30 to 5 p.m., except on Fridays when students only register in the morning from 8:30 to 11:30.

Advisor-assisted registration will be held for the next three weeks, through Aug. 20. Fall classes will begin on Aug. 22.

Any SWTJC student who is exempt from developmental classes, or has completed their developmental course work, is eligible to register online, unless they have a hold on their account because of some unpaid bill in the business office.

College officials say online registration can be a big benefit to students. "It saves time and improves a student’s class selection," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said. "We encourage anyone who is eligible to register online."

Students not eligible to register online will have to wait until Aug. 2 when advisor-assisted registration begins.

The space will be used by SWTJC to offer classes at the new facility beginning this fall.

SWTJC will pay $2,000 per month and a maximum of $800 a month for electricity, according to the contract the board considered at its regular meeting on July 21.

Board members approved the contract after making several deletions and clarifying language throughout the document. The contract, with changes noted, will be considered by officials with the Hondo center next week.

"They have built a beautiful facility in Hondo and we are excited about using it to expand accessibility to SWTJC classes in Medina County," SWTJC Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Dr. Blaine Bennett told the board.

In the only other action taken Thursday night, the board approved various changes to the faculty handbook.

Romelia Aranda, director of adult basic education and workforce training and development, gave reports on her programs at Thursday’s meetings. According to Aranda, she is working to more fully integrate both of her programs, into the "SWTJC family."

Things under consideration include moving ABE classes onto SWTJC campuses where space is available, and including GED graduates in the annual college convocation ceremonies each May.

Aranda also noted that the workforce training and development division is exploring needs of the oil and gas play in the Eagle Ford Shale, as well as opportunities in the hospitality industry.

"We also want to establish a stronger presence in Hondo and Medina Valley and develop stronger ties with adult basic education," Aranda said.

In her report, Aranda noted that this year 1,957 students have been served through various workforce training and development programs, generating 121,000 contract hours and tuition and fees of $1.2 million.

ABE students served this year total 1,166, generating 258,000 contact hours. Grant funding for ABE classes for the 2011-2012 fiscal year are estimated at $1.1 million.

"I’ve run across several prospective students recently who told me they thought it was too late to apply for financial aid," SWTJC Financial Aid Director Ana Almaraz said. "Truth is, it’s never too late to apply, but if a student is planning on attending classes this fall they need to file their application soon."

According to Almaraz, it usually takes four to six weeks from the time a student files an application to find out if they qualify.

"Prospective students need to fill our their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online or come by our office and let us help them get started," Almaraz said. "Every year, students wait until the last minute and it creates problems for everyone. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for students to get their FAFSA filed, if at all possible, within the next couple of weeks."

In addition to federal assistance, Almaraz notes that a FAFSA is also required for state grants, student loans and many local scholarships.

"It all starts with the FAFSA," Almaraz said. "Until you get that filed, there’s really no way of knowing if you qualify for any of the financial aid that is available."

The online application is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Step-by-step instructions for filing a FAFSA are included on the web site. Almaraz advises students and parents to sign their FAFSA electronically by applying online for a PIN.

"We encourage students to file their FAFSA online because it is faster and easier. The more you can do online, the faster your application will be processed and that’s what you want," Almaraz said. "If you have problems getting started, or run in to problems when filling out your application, that’s when our office can help."

Contact the SWTJC Financial Aid Office at 830.591.7343 with your questions, or log on to the college website at www.swtjc.net.

To file a FAFSA, students will need the following information:

* Student and parent (if providing parent information) Social Security numbers.

* The applicant’s driver’s license number, if you have one.

* The applicant’s alien registration number, if not a U.S. citizen.

* 2010 federal tax information or tax returns for yourself, your spouse and for your parents (if providing parent information).

* Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security benefits, welfare benefits (TANF) and veteran benefits, for the applicant and the applicant’s parents (if providing parent information).

* Information on savings, investments, business and farm assets for the applicant and the applicant’s parents (if providing parent information).

According to Almaraz, every year Texas college students receive billions of dollars in financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study positions.

"There are resources available and there is really only one way to find out what a student may qualify for," Almaraz said. "File a FAFSA and the sooner the better."

For more information on Saturday’s event, contact the Hondo Chamber of Commerce at (830) 426-3037. For more information on registering for fall classes at SWTJC contact Elsa De Hoyos (830) 591-4198 or Savanna Hernandez at 591-2919.

According to Dr. Geraldine Goosen, director of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program at SWTJC, Hurley-Morales left Eagle Pass immediately following the end of classes Friday en route to San Antonio for the July 4^th weekend.

"Sara was a good student. She was a graduate of SWTJC’s Vocational Nursing Program and was just finishing her first semester in our ADN program ," Dr. Goosen said. "She had wanted to be a registered nurse for many years and to see that dream cut short, well, it is just sad beyond words."

Goosen said classes were dismissed on Wednesday, July 6, to give students and staff the opportunity "to say goodbye to Sara and pay their respects to her family."

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 7 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Eagle Pass with interment  in the Catholic Cemetery.

According to Jose Balderas of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Hurley-Morales was driving eastbound on U.S. Highway 57, through moderate to heavy rainfall, when her 2007 Mercury Milan hydroplaned, causing the vehicle to spin directly into the path of a 1988 Peterbilt hauling a trailer.

"The trunk of her vehicle, the rear of her vehicle, struck the front of the 18-wheeler," Balderas said. The collision occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. three miles east of La Pryor.

Balderas said the driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured but Hurley-Morales and her children were likely killed on impact.

According to Balderas, the highway was shut down for approximately four hours in order to clear the scene, which he described as horrific and said tops the worst accidents he has ever had to respond to.

Following Bennett’s report, trustee Dr. Harry O. Watkins suggested that the board adopt a resolution commending Dragoo and his staff for the "outstanding job they have done."

Board president Rodolfo R. Flores directed the administration to prepare a resolution for consideration by the board at its July meeting.

The board also voted to join the newly formed Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT).

According to SWTJC Recruiting Coordinator Elsa De Hoyos, a college representative will be in Hondo on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting this week.

"We will have someone available from 9 a.m. to noon every Tuesday and Thursday to answer questions and help prospective students get ready to enroll in fall classes," De Hoyos said. "We will be at the Hondo Public Library for a couple of weeks and then move to the South Texas Regional Training Center when it is ready later this summer."

SWTJC kicked off its recruiting efforts in Hondo last Saturday, June 25, with a college orientation day at the library.

"We had over 60 prospective students come out and we helped them get started on their applications for admission and their financial aid applications," SWTJC recruiting coordinator Elsa De Hoyos said. "We were very pleased with the turnout and thank everyone who helped make this event a success."

Representatives from the college’s financial aid, admissions, recruiting, counseling and tech prep/dual credit offices were all on hand for last week’s orientation day.

De Hoyos said the college is also planning to administer the Accuplacer test in Hondo within the next couple of weeks, once a site and date are finalized. All first time students are required to take the Accuplacer, or another college entrance exam like the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), before registering for classes.

"This is a state requirement to determine a prospective students’ readiness to begin regular college coursework," De Hoys explained. "Results from this test will help the college determine which classes we will be offering in Hondo this fall."

SWTJC will hold fall classes in Hondo at the new South Texas Regional Training Center.

Dr. Blaine Bennett, SWTJC dean of institutional advancement and technology, said the college is excited about the opportunity to offer classes at the new facility in Hondo.

"We deliver quality instruction at affordable prices and with the opening of the South Texas Regional Training Center we can now offer our services closer to home for Hondo and Medina County residents," Dr. Bennett said. "We will offer a limited number of classes this fall and expand our offerings over time to meet the needs of the area."

For more information on registering for fall classes contact Elsa De Hoyos, (830) 591-4198 or Savanna Hernandez, (830) 591-2919.

Funding for the construction is being financed by the city of Hondo, Medina County and the city of Hondo Economic Development Corporation.

Uvalde Police Department sergeant and academy adjunct instructor Andy Davila was the guest speaker.

Construction is in full swing on the South Texas Regional Training Center located in Hondo on the site of the old Knights of Columbus Hall just north of Highway 90.

The 16,000-plus square foot facility will feature a variety of classrooms, conference rooms, administrative offices and a large technical training area.

Funding for the construction is being financed by the city of Hondo, Medina County and the city of Hondo Economic Development Corporation.

"I recently toured the site with city and county officials and was very impressed," SWTJC Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Dr. Blaine Bennett said. "It is going to be a first-class facility."

SWTJC Director of Workforce Training and Development Romelia Aranda has been working with the group to consider offering various classes available through the college’s workforce training and development division.

In addition, Dr. Bennett believes the college could offer a limited number of developmental and core academic classes when the facility opens this fall.

"They have been conducting needs assessment surveys and we will continue to meet with city and county officials to determine classes that their residents need and that we can deliver," Dr. Bennett said. "We are excited about the prospects for SWTJC and we commend the Hondo group for pursuing this opportunity for their community."

Following the ceremony, graduates and their families attended a reception hosted by the college in the Matthews Student Center on the SWTJC Uvalde main campus.

The list of 5-year service pin recipients includes SWTJC trustee Victor Lopez, Rebecca Andrews, Cecily Bennett, Subburaj Kannan, Derek Veazey, Lisa Barker, Jessica Nuñez-Gonzalez, Elizabeth Phillips, Francisco Rodriguez, Concepcion Silva, Yesenia Silva and Julie Thomas.

Ethan Blackman of Leakey (right) explains his project

Winners received trophies and medals, as well as other prizes donated by the college and various Uvalde businesses including Country Garden & Seeds, Gree’s Boutique, Town House Restaurant, HEB, East Side Shell, Frio Bat Flight Tour, WalMart and Amy’s Attic.

Landra Fowler of Uvalde was the overall winner in the triathlon competition with a time of 51 minutes and 22 seconds. Michael Waldau of Houston was the overall men’s champion with his time of 53 minutes and two seconds.

In the kids triathlon (ages 7-10), Hunter Perez of Corpus Christi had the best overall time of 23 minutes 53 seconds, while Victoria Davis of Uvalde was the overall female winner with her time of 28 minutes and 45 seconds.

Tristen Perez of Corpus Christi had the fastest time, 36 minutes and 37 seconds, in the kids triathlon (ages 11-14). Mabel Fowler turned in the fastest time in the female division with her time of 37 minutes and 1 second.

Duathlon overall winners were Landra Fowler (59 minutes and 24 seconds) and Hector Cortes of San Antonio (59 minutes and 40 seconds).

The SWTJC kinesiology department hosted the annual event.

Sponsors for this year’s event include HEB, Sweeten Pools, Uvalde National Bank, The Eye Center of Uvalde, First State Bank of Uvalde, Mr. Cartender, Inc., C.M. Dishman, DDS, Ace Hardware, Jack’s Steak House, Uvalde Rotary Club, Risinger Orthodontics, Kirkham’s Photography and Uvalde Family Practice Association.

SWTJC Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Dr. Blaine Bennett welcomed contest winners and guests in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom.

Public information officer Willie Edwards announced winners in this year’s contest.

Overall winners were:

Pre-K & Kindergarten: Visual arts – Audrey Childress, Dalton ECC, Uvalde; Literary – Avery Graves, St. Philip’s Episcopal School, Uvalde.

Grades 1-2: Visual arts – Mia Frances Trevino, Benson Elementary, Uvalde; Literary – Vada Willis, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Uvalde.

Grades 3-4: Visual arts – Vic L. Hicks, San Antonio; Literary – Sterling Shepherd, St. Philip’s, Uvalde.

Grades 5-6: Visual arts – Molly Trevino, Pearsall; Literary – Alexa Solis, Jones Elementary, Brackettville.

Grades 7-8: Visual arts – Michael Hauck, Uvalde Junior High, Uvalde; Literary – Arika Madden, home school, Uvalde.

Grades 9-10: Visual arts – Carisma Nunez, Stevens High School, San Antonio; Literary – Elizabeth Espey, Utopia High School.

Grades 10-11: Visual arts – Elaine Schlichting, home school, Uvalde; Literary – Hannah Espey, Utopia High School.

College: Visual arts – Veronica Gracia, SWTJC, Knippa; Literary – Anastacia Rocha, Texas Tech University, Uvalde.

Community: Visual arts – Enrique Roman, Uvalde; Literary – Leilani McClure, Uvalde

Seasoned: Visual arts – Ellen Balke, Uvalde; Literary – Mary Martin, Uvalde.

Contest coordinator Terri Tucker was recognized at the beginning of the ceremony for her longtime association with the event

Complete winners list:
Photo/winners Pre-K, K
Photo/winners Grades 1,2
Photo/winners Grades 3,4
Photo/winners Grades 5,6
Photo/winners Grades 7,8
Photo/winners Grades 9,10
Photo/winners Grades 11,12
Photo/winners College
Photo/winners Community
Photo/winners Seasoned.

A total of nine out of 50 Texas community colleges were listed in the top 120. Along with SWTJC, Texas schools making the list include Alvin Community College, Trinity Valley Community College, Lee College, Blinn College, Texas State Technical College-West Texas, Texarkana College, Victoria College and Wharton County Junior College.

To pick the winners, judges analyzed U.S. Department of Education data on the percentage of students who graduate with an associate's degree or successfully transfer from their community colleges into four-year institutions.

They also assessed the proportion of low-income and minority students who completed each program, and if completion rates improved over time at the particular schools. The 120 winners, representing the top 10 percent of the country's 1,200 community colleges, can now enter to win a $700,000 prize.

"I commend our students, faculty, administration and staff for this recognition," SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., said. "Working together we will continue to accomplish great things at SWTJC."
 

"We mailed out letters to winners in this year’s contest earlier this week," SWTJC Public Information Officer Willie Edwards said. "A list of winners is also posted on the college news and events page."

In keeping with tradition, the order of finish in each category will not be announced until the night of the awards program.

On the night of the awards ceremony, trophies and medals will be handed out in a variety of age groups to first through fourth place winners in both literary and visual arts divisions.

A $20 cash prize will also be awarded to overall literary and visual arts winners in each age group. Age groups include: Pre-K & K, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12, College, Community and Seasoned (age 60 and over).

SWTJC Dean of Admissions and Student Services presented men’s basketball coach Luis Fernandez a plaque in recognition of his selection as coach of the year in the South Texas Club Sports League.

"This award was announced earlier at the league banquet, but we just wanted to publicly congratulate Luis on this accomplishment," Barker said. "The fact that Luis was recognized by his peers in his first year of coaching makes this award even more impressive."

Longtime SWTJC history instructor Harry D. Lawrence, Jr., was also recognized by the board for 50 years of continuous teaching at the college.

SWTJC Dean of Instructional Services and Chief Financial Officer Hector Gonzales read a resolution honoring Lawrence for "50 years of unfailing dedication and commitment to the teaching profession and Southwest Texas Junior College."

The resolution will be framed and presented to Lawrence, who began is teaching career at SWTJC in 1961, at next month’s dean’s breakfast.

SWTJC board members also approved the recommendation of the college tenure committee and granted tenure to longtime SWTJC automotive technology instructor Carlos Ramos.

In other action, the board approved the consolidation of building use and off-campus fees into a general use fee, approved changes to the proposed 2011-2013 college catalog and updated various legal and local policies recommended in TASB update 26.

Valerie Gomez won a bronze medal in hairstyling. Other SWTJC participants in the competition were Natalia Flores, Lisa Upton, Ashley Lumbreras and Adrea Ortiz.

"It is always a pleasure to recognize this special group of students selected by our faculty and staff for their leadership and scholarship at SWTJC," Dean of Instructional Services Hector Gonzales said. "I congratulate all this year’s honorees and wish them continued success."

On the SWTJC Uvalde campus honorees include Rosie Arellano, Sara Aviles, Brett Butzke, Martin Cahue, Jr., Dustin Derusha, Gus Flores, Jessica James, Kayce Noonan, Scott Reavis, Deena Rojero, Jerry Sandoval, Jr., Melanie Sandoval, Ann M. Simmons, Phillip S. Steigerwald and Esther Ulloa.

SWTJC Del Rio recipients of Who’s Who honors are Binod Bimali, Irasel Guerra, Sinia Maeda, Crystal Ochoa, Summer Rebienot, Emily Smergut, Amanda Tovar and Annali J. Troas.

Who’s Who honorees from the SWTJC Eagle Pass campus are Jose Deleon, Teresa Martinez, Dario Perez-Gomez, Sergio Rodriguez and Genesis Valdes.

Dean Gonzales presented certificates to all honorees during an awards presentation held in the Matthews Student Center Bluebonnet Room.

Also recognized at the ceremony were Leadership award winners from the various campuses. Recipients of "L" awards are chosen by sponsors of various clubs and organizations at the college.

On the Uvalde campus, winners include: Gaynell Martinez and Patricia Gutierrez, Cosmetology Club; Elizabeth Stiles and Thelma Martinez, Catholic Club; Sara Aviles and Perla Mata, Student Ambassadors; Tatiana Bravo and June Torres, Mariachi Los Vaqueros de SWTJC; Scott Reavis, LVN Club; Christina Guevara, SWTJC Women’s Basketball; Addie Brezinski, Phi Theta Kappa; Grace Costilla, Student Government Association; and Moses Alvarez, BA Club.

Leadership awards from the Del Rio campus were presented to: Jessica Fuentes, Student Activities; Dustin Kinsey, Student Government Association; and Darlene Quintero, Creative Arts Club.

SWTJC Eagle Pass "L" awards were presented to: Claudia Revilla, Leonardo Romero and Heber Ruiz, Student Government Association; Carmen De Luna and Victor Munoz, Society of Physics Students; Gissselle Ramirez and Alexandra Martinez, Student Activities; Dora Sanchez, LVN Club; Sandra Smith and Victor Munoz, Phi Theta Kappa; Mayra Garza and Christian Esparza, Ballet Folklorico; and Erika Rodriguez and Audrey Barcena, School of Government.

SWTJC Dean of Admissions welcomed those attending this year’s festival and gave a brief history of the annual event which has been held continuously since 1955.

SWTJC Uvalde Director of Student Activities Jessica Nuñez-Gonzalez, introduced candidates for Mr. and Ms. SWTJC and announced the 2011 winners selected by the student body.

For the Uvalde campus, winners were Gayle Garcia and Juan Rios, representing the Catholic Club.

Mr./Ms. SWTJC winners from SWTJC Eagle Pass were Carmen De Luna & Heber Ruiz, representing the Student Government Association.

For the Del Rio campus, Mr. and Ms. SWTJC were Jessica Fuentes, representing Student Activities, and Alex Martinez, representing the Creative Arts Club.

Following the announcement of this year’s winners, Palm’s Festival attendees enjoyed an evening of dancing in the Matthew’s Student Center Ballroom.

Theme of this year’s event, coordinated by the Student Activities Office in Uvalde, was Masquerade Ball.

Winning team

Members of the Uvalde High School criminal justice team celebrate

The UHS team amassed 1675 overall points to finish ahead of second place Laredo LBJ with 1,100 total points. Third place was San Felipe Del Rio High School with 950 points and Dilley High School claimed fourth with 775 points.

"This is the first time UHS has taken the overall trophy and I am very proud of our team," instructor/coach J.J. Suarez said. "I am especially proud of the way our team performed in the academic quiz bowl."

UHS took top honors in the criminal justice quiz bowl with the team of Zenia Garza, Jessica Stewart, Juan Torres and Briana Allen.

The UHS team of Sarita De Leon, Angelica Gonzalez, Joshua Salazar and Chelsea Garcia took second place in the crime scene team competition.

Robert Ybarra won a first place medal in patdown, frisk, search and arrest, while Chris Cruz and Luis Ochoa took third place honors in felony traffic team stop.

UHS also won first place in the mile relay competition with the team of Chris Cruz, Jacob Padilla, Joe Flores and Carlos Ruiz.

In the 100-meter run, UHS also claimed top honors with Daniel Rodriguez winning the boys division and Sarita De Leon taking first in the girls division.

Shaq Longoria and Briana Allen also won third place medals in the sit-up competition.

A total of 11 teams took part in the daylong competition on the SWTJC Uvalde campus. Teams competition included San Antonio Burbank, San Antonio Kennedy, Laredo LBJ, Pearsall, Eagle Pass High, Eagle Pass Explorer’s Post #921, San Felipe/Del Rio, Carrizo Springs, Crystal City, Dilley and Uvalde High School.

Judge DuBose
slated to speak
at commencement

"We are very pleased that Judge DuBose accepted our invitation to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony," said SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr.

As judge of the 38^th Judicial District Court, DuBose presides over felony criminal, civil and family law dockets in Medina, Uvalde and Real counties.

Prior to her 2008 election as district judge, DuBose served as the Associate Judge of the Child Protection court of South Texas where she exclusively handled abuse and neglect cases in an eight county area in southwest Texas.

She is also a former assistant district attorney for the 38^th Judicial District and is a former Bexar County prosecutor as well as a former regional attorney for the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.

Judge DuBose is a 1984 graduate of Texas A&M University and a 1987 graduate of St. Mary’s School of Law where she served as associate editor of the St. Mary’s Law Journal.

She is a commissioner, as well as chair of the training committee and member of the executive committee, of the Texas Supreme Court Permanent Commission on Children, Youth and Families.

Judge DuBose has spoken at numerous judicial and abuse and neglect conferences and was nominated for the 2002 and 2008 Texas CASA Lone Star Proud for Kids judge of the year award.

According to Aranda, the ABE Program currently serves approximately 1,000 students at multiple facilities in Eagle Pass, Del Rio and Uvalde, as well as locations in Castroville, Hondo, Crystal City and Asherton.

Serving others

Pastor Ron Zeiner of Bread of Life Church in Uvalde visits

According to Derek Sandoval, chair of the SWTJC kinesiology department chair and co-sponsor of the Thursday Night Grace student-led Bible study group in Uvalde, SWTJC housed the visiting students in La Forge Hall.

"I had a call from Greg Fry of Fry Homes in Uvalde asking if we would be able to host these students," Sandoval said. "The SWTJC administration gave us the green light and it worked out great."

A total of 98 students, all members of the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship at UTSA and TAMU-Corpus Christi, were in Uvalde from March 11 through March 15.

The group picked up trash, painted curbs and speed bumps in Uvalde Veterans’ Memorial Park, as well as working on the SWTJC campus, the downtown Uvalde area and neighborhoods across the city.

"It was fun working with City of Uvalde employees," said UTSA student Catherine Traub of Sugarland, TX. "It was hard work and our clothes got dirty, but it was really fun."

Brooke Elliot of San Antonio, another UTSA student, also found the experience very rewarding. "It was a wonderful experience. We could see how encouraging it was to others for us to help them out and that made us feel great because we were honoring the Lord by serving his servants."

In other action at its February meeting, the board denied a level 5 employee grievance and set March 22 as the date for the board’s next regular monthly meeting.

"It’s time to finish up those poems, short stories and essays and get them turned in," SWTJC public information officer Willie Edwards said.

According to Edwards, entries have been slower than usual coming in this year.

"We haven’t had many entries to date, so I expect things to really pick up this final week," Edwards said.

In the literary portion of the contest, categories include: poetry and short story (open to all age groups), and essay (open to grades seven and up)The length of short story entries is 2,000 words.

Age divisions will be the same as last year and will include: Pre-K and K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, college, community and seasoned (age 60 and over).

According to Edwards, cash prizes, trophies and medals will be awarded in the annual event which attracts thousands of art, photography and writing entries from across the region.

"We will award trophies and medals to first through fourth place in all categories and judges will also select an overall literary and visual arts winner in each age group," Edwards explained. "Cash prizes of $20 will be presented to overall winners."

The SWTJC Humanities and Fine Arts Division and the SWTJC Public Information Office coordinate the annual event.

In the visual arts division of the contest, deadline for entries is March 11.

Visual art categories, for all age groups, include: charcoal, drawing with color, painting, pencil, pen and ink, scratchboard and computer-generated graphics. Photography and video production are also included in the contest for grades seven and up.

A mixed media category is also being included for the third year in visual arts for college, community and seasoned divisions.

All entries should be submitted to the SWTJC Public Information Office. Applications/entry forms will be available at all SWTJC main offices and libraries.

Entrants may also download entry applications and contest rules by visiting the college’s web site. Go to www.swtjc.edu and look for the Creative Arts Contest link.

Contestants may also request entry forms by e-mailing Willie Edwards at public.info@swtjc.cc.tx.us or by calling 830-591-7222.

According to Edwards, all winning entries in the contest will be recognized and presented trophies/medals during the SWTJC Creative Arts Awards’ Ceremony on April 28, 2011, in Uvalde.

"The awards ceremony is one of the high points of the year at the college," Edwards said. "It’s always a real treat to recognize and honor young people, and the not so young, for their outstanding writing and artwork."

All visual arts entries in the contest will also be displayed in the Matthew’s Student Center Ballroom from April 18 through the night of the awards ceremony.

Uvaldean of the year

SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., was honored as Uvaldean of the year

"I never dreamed that I would get this honor," Sosa said. "You couldn’t do it anywhere else but Uvalde. This is a great place.....It’s you people that make this a great community."

Sosa was introduced by Southwest Texas Junior College Dean of Instructional Services and Chief Financial Officer Hector Gonzales, who described Sosa as his friend and mentor.

He said Sosa’s heart is in education, "So much so that he wore out his first one," a reference to a heart transplant that Sosa received more than six years ago.

Gonzales said Sosa, a native of Cotulla, met his wife, Eunice, at church while attending college. The couple will celebrate 45 years of marriage in April.

Sosa has been a Uvalde resident for over 40 years, and has worked for Southwest Texas Junior College for the past 43 years, serving as president since 1999.

He has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of young people obtain a college education, Gonzales said.

Sosa set a personal example of the value he places on education by obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sul Ross State University and a doctorate from Texas A&M.

Sosa served on the board of the Uvalde United Way for 15 years and twice was drive chairman. He has served on the boards of the Dale Evans Daycare Center, El Progreso Memorial Library and Community Council of Southwest Texas.

An outstanding high school athlete who remains an avid sports fan, Sosa worked with the Uvalde Boxing Club in the 1970s, helding the club financially and serving as a scorekeeper and, once, as a referee.

He served as a Uvalde school district trustee for nine years, including five years as board president.

Sosa and his wife have three children and three grandchildren.

According to Garza, this year’s TALAE Conference marks the sixth consecutive year SWTJC’s ABE Program has received state recognition.

All SWTJC students, faculty and staff are invited to attend

"We are seeing an increase in colds and flu-like symptoms and some students have been very ill," Ramirez said. "I encourage everyone to wash your hands frequently and please cover your mouths when sneezing or coughing."

According to Ramirez, public schools in Uvalde have seen an increase in absences due to illness over the past week and the county health clinic, Our Health/Centro De Salud, has also been swamped with patients.

Ramirez’s health warning comes as the area braces for the coldest weather of the season.

Forecasters for the National Weather Service are predicting wind chill values near zero across the Hill Country and in single digits in Uvalde on Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.

A slight chance of snow is in the forecast for Thursday night across South Texas.

Discussion and action on an educational needs assessment for the SWTJC Del Rio campus was tabled.

                                             Diana Smith
English professor
has work published

Her poem "Chairs of the Twenty-First Century" appeared in the fall 2010 issue of 32 Poems and "Blackberries" appeared on anderbo.com in October. Previously her poetry has been published in elimae and SALiT Magazine.

Smith graduated with honors at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English. She went on to earn her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with an emphasis on poetry, in 2009 at the University of Florida.

She has been an English instructor at SWTJC since the spring 2010 semester.

All visual arts entries in the contest will also be displayed in the Matthew’s Student Center Ballroom from April 18 through the night of the awards ceremony.

"We’ve had a busy week and we expect more of the same next week," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said.

This past fall, the college set its all-time enrollment record of 6,235 students. The all-time spring enrollment record of 5,747 students was set last spring.

"Historically, spring enrollment is always lower than the fall," Barker said, "but when all is said and done we believe this spring will be near last spring’s record."

In Uvalde, students can call 591-7255 to set up a registration time.

Registration in Uvalde is being held in the Flores Student Services Building on Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m. On Fridays, registration times will only be scheduled in the mornings.

Barker reminds students that they must be ready to pay or make payment arrangements at the time of registration.

"There are a variety of payment options available for students, but students must make arrangements at the time of registration," Barker said.

Online registration is also available 24 hours a day through Jan. 16, for eligible students.

A full contingent of SWTJC Uvalde counselors and advisors will be in Del Rio on Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to assist Del Rio faculty and staff with advisor-assisted registration.

Board member Tony Moreno placed the item on the agenda to discuss and take action on a possible name change.

"The name junior is no longer appropriate. It is outdated and antiquated and we should drop it," Moreno said.

In speaking for the name change, Moreno listed various state and national organizations who had dropped the term "junior" over the years, along with most of Texas’ two-year colleges.

"Of the over 50 two-year colleges in the state we are one of only four who still have junior in our name," Moreno said. "Our board policy says that part of our mission is to enhance the image of the college and I believe dropping junior from our name would do that."

Board member Victor Lopez asked how much the name change would cost and said he wouldn’t be comfortable voting for a name change until he had an estimated cost.

Chief Financial Officer Hector Gonzales estimated it would cost between $50,000 and $100,000, while SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., said he believed the expense would be upwards of $200,000.

"Changing all the signage would be the biggest cost and with campuses in Uvalde, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Crystal City and Pearsall, it adds up very quick," Sosa said.

Board president Rodolfo R. Flores, noting that he was a 1950 graduate of the college, said he was opposed to changing the name.

"A name does not make a person and it doesn’t make a college," Flores said. "We already have a name and our history has proven the success of this institution."

After a lengthy discussion, the board voted 4-2 to not change the name. Lopez, Dr. Harry Watkins, Dr. Antonio H. Rivera and Anita Shackelford voted against Moreno’s motion. Trustee Elena Lara voted with Moreno to change the name.

Chosen by their classmates as this years winners were: Adan Alarcon and Ida Martinez, Mr. and Ms. Santa; Josh Gonzalez and Araceli Delgado, most athletic; and Jesus Castro and Vanessa Retiz, campus clowns.

Other student choice winners include: Roylee Soliz and Ruby Vargas, campus favorites; Cole Valenzuela and Tania Ortiz, best looking; and Jacob Saucedo and Sara Aviles, friendliest.

Coach Rob Fowler and health center director Imelda Ramirez, R.N., were the staff members selected by students as Mr. and Mrs. Santa.

Student Activities Director Jessica Nunez-Gonzalez announced this year’s winners during the dinner served in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom.


Rob Fowler and Imelda Ramirez were selected by Uvalde students as Mr. and Mrs. Santa for 2010. The winners were announced during the annual Thanksgiving Feast held Nov. 17 in the Matthews Student Center.

Hosted by the student recruitment office, the event will provide high school seniors a variety of information on admissions, scholarships, financial aid and student activities.

"Our goal is to help area seniors get ready to make the transition from high school to college," SWTJC Director of Student Recruitment Elsa De Hoyos said.

Various college academic and technical program, as well as clubs and organizations, will have tables set up in the La Forge Hall Gym to provide students information about their respective programs.

Breakout sessions for students are also scheduled throughout the morning in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom, Tate Auditorium and Bluebonnet Room.

Contests, door prizes and a musical performance by Mariachis Los Vaqueros de SWTJC are scheduled during the complimentary lunch which will be served from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in the fountain area behind the Administration Building.

Campus tours and tours of specific technical programs will also be made available to visiting high school seniors.

Students from Eagle Pass High School, Eagle Pass CC Winn, Utopia, Knippa, Crystal City, La Pryor and Nueces Canyon are expected to attend.

A second college day will be scheduled during the spring 2011 semester.

Scholarships have been awarded students at SWTJC campuses in Crystal City, Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde.

Burchfield’s induction came during the College Academic Support Programs (CASP) Convention held Oct. 13-15 at the Camino Real Hotel in El Paso.

A member of the SWTJC faculty for 21 years, Dr. Burchfield holds a doctorate in education from Grambling State University in Louisiana. He currently teaches education, English composition and developmental writing classes.

Dr. Burchfield has published articles and made numerous presentation on a variety of subjects including: attitude formation, classical rhetoric theory, curriculum theory and composition. He serves on the board of directors of the Association for the Advancement of Educational Research and is president of that organization’s National Academy of Educational Research.

He is co-author with Dr. David Sabrio of Insightful Writing, a rhetoric/reader textbook suitable for either the highest developmental writing course, or a first semester college writing course.

In 2005, Burchfield received the teaching excellence award from the SWTJC Faculty Association.

Attending from SWTJC were Jill Coe, Rebecca Andrews, Eva Dominguez and Diana Smith. Coe is a member of the TYCA executive committee.

Smith, an English instructor and creative arts club sponsor on the Del Rio campus, took part in two presentations during the three-day conference held Oct. 21-23 in Laredo’s La Posada Hotel.

State Senator Judith Zaffirini, the second highest-ranking Texas state senator and highest-ranking woman and Hispanic senator, was the keynote speaker at the 2010 convention. Zaffirini was chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee during the 2009 legislative session.

"Senator Zaffirini is a great speaker," SWJTC professional development director and instructor Jill Coe said. "She charged English educators to instill the love of reading and writing not only to our students but to our friends, family and co-workers as well."

Theme of the 2010 convention, hosted by Laredo Community College, was "Connecting the Dots: Teaching Traditional Writing in this Anything Goes World."

The 2011 TYCA Southwest Regional Convention will be held Oct. 27-29 at the South Shore Harbour Resort in League City, TX.

"We are beginning online registration two weeks earlier than regular registration to give eligible students a jump start," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said. "There are many advantages to registering online and we want more of our students to take advantage of this opportunity."

Any SWTJC student who is exempt from developmental classes, or has completed their developmental course work, is eligible to register online, unless they have a hold on their account because of some unpaid bill in the business office.

"If a student needs to take developmental classes they are required to see an advisor so they will have to wait until advisor-assisted registration begins on Nov. 8 at all our campuses," Barker said.

To help students who have never registered online, an online registration link can be found on the college home page, complete with an online tutorial.

"The first thing a student who wants to register online should do is prepare a schedule and select the classes they want to take," Barker said. "Students should have the class key/synonym number for each course they want to register for, before they begin online registration."

A copy of the schedule, complete with a guide for reading the schedule, is also available online. The link to the schedule is prominently displayed on the SWTJC home page (www.swtjc.edu).

Barker lists several advantages to registering online, including better selection of classes and instructors, no waiting in line and overall convenience.

"It’s convenient, fast and easy," Barker said. "I encourage all eligible students to give it a try. Other than waiting in line, what have you got to lose?"

Once they have successfully registered online, a statement will be mailed and e-mailed to each student listing their balance due and payment options.

Students with questions about registering online should contact the main office at the campus where they will be attending classes this spring.

According to Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Dr. Blaine Bennett, the upgrades will replace core routers and switches in Uvalde, Del Rio and Eagle Pass, as well as changing the phone system from analog to digital.

"The majority of our core network infrastructure is ten-plus years old and this upgrade will provide us with current, high bandwidth and speed technology," Bennett said. "Our phone system is also at ‘end of life’ and we have no room to grow, especially in Del Rio and Eagle Pass."

Bennett explained that funds for the project are available through grant monies already targeted for the upgrades. INX, a company the college has had good experience with in past dealings, was the low bidder for the proposed upgrades.

Work on the project is expected to be completed by early next year, Bennett said.

In other business at Thursday’s (Oct. 21) regular monthly meeting of the board, trustees tabled action on the sale of the house constructed by the Adult Basic Education class and set Nov. 18 as the date for the next board meeting.

According to SWTJC Director of Technical Programs Johnny Guzman, Lula Flores of Crystal City died in the accident around 6:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 14, on Highway 277 just south of Del Rio.

Flores was 30 years old. She was in her second year of the radiologic technology program at SWTJC.

Another SWTJC student, Maria Muñoz of Eagle Pass was also injured but according to Guzman her injuries don’t appear to be life-threatening and she is in stable condition at Val Verde County Memorial Hospital.

"Both these young women are in the college’s radiologic technology program and were traveling to Del Rio for clinicals at the hospital," Guzman said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to both their families."

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 18, for SWTJC student Lula Flores at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crystal City.

Contreras was sponsored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) during the event held Sept. 18 -20.

"It was a great experience and I got to hear and visit with various corporate and public service agencies about prospective careers and graduate school opportunities," Contreras said.

According to Contreras, who is currently a biology major at Texas State University, some of the government agencies represented at the convention included the Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Disease Control, Central Intelligence Agency and USGS.

"CIA director Leon Panetta was the biggest name speaker, but I also heard presentations from an assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Education and several other members of the Obama Administration," Contreras said.

Corporate representatives from ARAMARK, Eli Lilly, Lockheed Martin and Sodexo also spoke to students attending the conference about opportunities for Hispanics in the private sector.

A highlight of the trip for Contreras was a sailing excursion he got to go on with Kevin Gallagher, an associate director of the USGS.

"Getting to go sailing was definitely an experience I won’t forget," Contreras said. "It was also fun to meet students from all across the country."

While at SWTJC, Contreras was a summer intern at UT Austin with the Creating A Math and Science Community (CAMSC) Program. He was also a tutor for the Uvalde Student Success Center, a member of the SWTJC Jazz Band and a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

Contreras is hopeful his trip to the HACU convention will help him land an internship this summer with the USGS.

"I don’t know anything yet, but Mr. Gallagher was encouraging and I hope something works out," Contreras said.

SWTJC students will have an opportunity to learn about HACU internships and scholarships on Oct. 19, when HACU regional representative Rene Gonzales will make a presentation on the Uvalde campus.

The event will be held in the conference rooms of the Matthews Student Center. For more information about the upcoming presentation contact the Uvalde Student Success Center at 591-4173.

Elena White campaigns for her father, Democratic nominee for governor Bill White during a visit to the SWTJC Uvalde campus on Sept. 21.

The daughter of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White brought her dad’s campaign to the Uvalde campus on Sept. 21 at the invitation of SWTJC government instructor Jack Lampe.

A student at Rice University in Houston, the junior economics major has taken off from her studies this fall to work on getting her father elected as the first Democratic governor since 1994.

"The election is in 43 days and since we are the future, it should matter most to us," White told students attending her presentation in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom.

White told the SWTJC students that her father believes in investing in young people through education.

"My dad’s parents were both school teachers and my dad has a lifelong track record in supporting quality, affordable education for everyone," she said.

Her father’s varied careers in law, business and public service, give him a broad perspective on leadership, something White said Texas has been lacking since Gov. Rick Perry has been in office.

"As I travel across Texas, it is obvious that people just don’t feel like they have been listened to by their leaders," White said. "Real leadership is what you will get from my father. He will represent all the people of Texas, not just the loudest or the ones representing special interests."

She encouraged students to register and vote in the Nov. 2 General Election and all future elections.

"We need to take advantage of our choice to vote," she said. "If you don’t vote, you are letting others choose for you."

Reporting to the board of trustees at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Sept. 16, Dean of Admissions and Student Services Joe Barker announced that 6,293 students are enrolled in fall classes.

According to Barker, the fall 2010 enrollment represents a 9% overall increase over the previous record of 5,767 students set last fall.

"We had a big spike in enrollment last fall but we always worry a little when that happens, because sometimes these spikes are a one-year thing," Barker said. "We are very pleased that this fall’s numbers continue to trend upward."

In addition to increased enrollment, Barker also told the board that full-time student equivalency numbers, students taking at least 12 hours, also increased 10% this fall.

"Not only do we have more students, but they are taking more classes and that is even better news," Barker told the board.

Barker noted that all SWTJC campuses showed enrollment increases this fall.

"The largest increases were in Crystal City and Pearsall, who were up 30% and 26%, respectively," Barker said. At the colleges three main campuses enrollment was up 10% in Uvalde, 7% in Eagle Pass and 2% in Del Rio.

In other items at its September meeting the board authorized the administration to negotiate and enter into a contract with an electrical utility provider and adopted fees for courses offered through the Workforce Training and Development Program.

Action on the sale of a house constructed by the Adult Basic Education construction class was tabled due to no bids.

SWTJC Workforce Training and Development Director Romelia Aranda also reported to the board on the status of that program.

According to Aranda, average enrollment for the past five years in workforce classes has been 2,000 students. In 2009-2010, revenue from tuition and fees charged for various classes was $1,124,295.

Prior to Thursday’s meeting the board held the first of two public hearings on the proposed 2010 tax rate of 13 cents per $100 valuation. An additional hearing will be held Tuesday, Sept. 21.

A total of 10 senators will be elected to the student senate in a campus election scheduled Oct. 6 and 7.

According to student senate advisor Willie Edwards, SWTJC public information officer, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours to be eligible to run for student senate.

Five freshman and five sophomore senators will be elected to the student senate. To be considered a sophomore, students must have completed at least 24 credit hours. Sophomores must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to be eligible to run for student senate.

Once the senators are elected, they will elect a president, vice president, secretary and other officers.

"The idea behind a student senate is to have students select from among themselves a group who will represent the students and help address their concerns," Edwards said. "It’s similar to a student council, but at the college level."

Members of the student government association will attend several events this semester and next. In November the group will attend a regional meeting at The Victoria College and in February a group will visit Austin and the state capitol during Community College Day. The annual state student government convention will be held in Austin in April

In addition, Edwards hopes to get the student senate involved in bringing a variety of elected officials and public servants to the campus to discuss their various positions and responsibilities.

"I have verbal commitments from County Judge Bill Mitchell and District Judge Camile Dubose, to come speak to our group and I will contact other officials as the year goes on," Edwards said.

Edwards plans to visit history and government classes to spread the word about the upcoming elections and plans for the 2010-2011 school year.

"We need to get students to sign up as candidates to make this thing work," Edwards said.

Anyone who has questions about running for an office on the student senate should contact Edwards at wedwards@swtjc.cc.tx.us or by calling 591-7222.

Get involved. Run for SWTJC Uvalde Student Senate.

The student success centers are funded through a Title V grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Overall goal of the program is to increase student success by 10% over the five years of the grant.

"Thank you for your outstanding efforts. Texas LEARNS appreciates your responsiveness to the needs of your students, your teachers, and your attention to the details of data collection and entry."

SWTJC government instructor Jack Lampe invited a representative of the White campaign to speak to students and other interested area residents. A similar invitation has been extended to Republican Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign.

"I am happy that Mr. White’s campaign is sending a representative and we still hope to have someone from Gov. Perry’s campaign later in the month," Lampe said.

White’s daughter is a student at Rice University where she is majoring in economics. She is not enrolled in classes this fall so she can help with her father’s campaign for governor.

According to Lampe, Ms. White will speak at 11 a.m. in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom.

In addition to gubernatorial candidates, Lampe has also extended invitations to speak at SWTJC to other state and national candidates in the upcoming general election scheduled Nov. 2.

"The public is certainly invited to come and hear any of the speakers we schedule this election season," Lampe said. "Visit the college’s news and events page on the college’s web site at www.swtjc.edu for information about additional speakers this fall."

The 2010 General Election will be held on Nov. 2.

Held in Uvalde, on Saturday, Sept. Sept. 4, event coordinator Wade Carpenter said this year’s celebration exceeded expectations.

"With the fairgrounds under construction, we just didn’t have a site where we could stage the annual Los Palominos musical festival," Carpenter said. "But we wanted to have something, so we put together a one-day celebration at Uvalde Memorial Park."

According to Carpenter, all 35 vendors who had booths at the celebration were pleased with the turnout.

"Just about all of our vendors sold out and that is always a good sign," Carpenter said.

SWTJC groups also participated in the event. Men’s basketball coach Luis Fernandez coordinated a three-on-three basketball tournament and raised $900 for his program.

Mariachi Los Vaqueros de SWTJC were one of the featured performers during the day and the SWTJC float won the best youth entry category in the parade. Organizations represented on the float include Ballet Folklorico, Jazz Band, Mariachi Los Vaqueros, Catholic Club, Phi Theta Kappa, Student Activity Board and Student Ambassadors.

SWTJC thanks the City of Uvalde, Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce, HEB, Uvalde National Bank, Briscoe Ranch, South Texas CattleWomen, Silver Eagle Distributors, AEP Texas, O’Reilly Auto Parts, First State Bank of Uvalde, Lopez Health Systems, The Eye Center of Uvalde, Sonshine Laundry, Uvalde Radio and The Uvalde Leader-News for supporting and volunteering at this year’s event.

Proceeds from the festival totaling $5,000 will be donated to the Los Palominos Scholarship Fund at SWTJC.

Outside the Student Activities Lounge, representatives from various Uvalde clubs and organizations were on hand to distribute information about their groups.

The annual program, funded through the Middle Rio Grande Workforce Board and administered by SWTJC faculty and staff, brings recent high school students from across the region to the Uvalde campus to take classes and experience college life prior to beginning their first full semester in college.

Johnny Guzman, SWTJC director of technical programs, oversees the College Bound program. "This is a fabulous program. I’ve been involved with it for several years and it gives students skills and experiences that I believe greatly improve their chances of success in college," Guzman said.

According to Guzman, all participants in the 2010 program have enrolled as full-time college students for the fall semester, with 22 attending classes at SWTJC.

During the summer, students are provided room and board on campus and the 2010 College Bound group earned seven hours of college credit, with classes in general psychology and kinesiology.

In addition to physical fitness, the kinesiology class, Concepts of Physical Fitness, provided the students instruction in leadership and motivation, along with resume preparation and a variety of other college success skills.

Students also take on work-study positions during the summer with various departments at the college.

"College Bound students pretty much have the run of the campus during the summer and that creates a sense of familiarity that carries over when they return in the fall," Guzman said.

An additional benefit, Guzman said, is the friendships students build that carry over when fall classes begin.

"When College Bound starts, the students tend to hang out with the kids from their own communities, but by the end they have developed friendships with the entire group," Guzman said. "In the fall, they come here and it’s like they are coming home."

Instructors Cathy Santos, Diana Garcia and Derek Sandoval taught classes to this year’s group and Luis Fernandez and Luis Ruiz served as counselors. J.J. Suarez was activities coordinator.

"We had a great staff this summer and I know they would agree with me that we had an extraordinary group of College Bound students," Guzman said. "All of us wish them the best in the coming school year."

Eight different communities were represented in the 2010 College Bound class including Asherton, Brackettville, Carrizo Springs, Crystal City, Del Rio, Eagle Pass Sabinal and Uvalde.

President’s Welcome

Sincerely,

Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr.
President

According to SWTJC Chief Financial Officer Hector Gonzales, the college was not asking the board to officially approve any construction, but simply wanted authorization to hire architects to develop a plan.

Gonzales told the board, at its regular monthly meeting on Aug. 19, that improvements to the Del Rio facility are the top priority.

"As you all know, we have been needing facility improvements in Del Rio for way to long and we believe we are now in a position to begin formally developing a plan to address those concerns," Gonzales said.

Improvements being considered for Del Rio will include a new academic building to replace existing portable buildings, a new administration building and increasing space for library and distance learning resources.

Included in plans under consideration for the Uvalde campus are converting the existing warehouse into laboratories for diesel and welding technology programs, converting the existing document warehouse into diesel and welding technology classrooms, enclosing the area between the existing warehouse and auto-body technology lab for use by auto-body, diesel and welding classes and converting the existing welding lab into new space for the cosmetology program.

Also under consideration are the conversion of the existing cosmetology facility into distance learning facilities and the construction of a new warehouse and document warehouse off of Sul Ross Drive behind the Witt Building which houses the college’s allied health programs.

Changes and modifications being looked at for Eagle Pass include the conversion of the existing diesel lab into academic classrooms and the construction of four additional classrooms to the ends of Building C.

"Once the architects complete their work we will then prepare cost estimates and report back to the board with a detailed plan," Gonzales said.

Action on certifying tax rolls and placing the adoption of a tax rate on the agenda of a future meeting were tabled by the board because certified tax rolls from Real County are still not available.

"We expect to have a complete certified tax roll by the end of this week and then would like to call a special meeting on Aug. 26 to move forward with the items we are tabling tonight," Gonzales said.

In other action, the board voted unanimously to join various organizations and governmental agencies in opposing a water pipeline to convey water out of Uvalde County.

Other items acted on by the board were acceptance of food service bids, extension of the First State Bank note on fleet vehicles, approval of faculty handbook changes and the 2010-2015 strategic plan.

The board also granted an easement of AEP to provide electrical service to the new workforce training and development instructional classroom in Uvalde.

No action was taken on the sale of the house constructed by the Adult Basic Education construction class because no bids were received. The board authorized college to advertise again that the building is for sale.

"Don’t be satisfied with the status quo," he said. "Raise the bar and bring your students with you."

SWTJC teams will once again compete in the South Texas Club Sports League during the 2010-2011 school year. The league includes teams for the Alamo Community College District in San Antonio, as well as The Victoria College.

Former SWTJC PACE/MSET and dual credit student Ruben Alonzo

"Ruben is a strong individual. I have no doubt that whatever he does he will do well," Hernandez said.

For a complete list of fall convocation activities visit the SWTJC professional development website.

Summer II classes began on July 12 and will run through Aug. 17.

School administrators had announced earlier this summer that they were suspending play due to budgetary concerns, but board member Tony Moreno led the effort to keep the teams playing.

According to chief financial officer Hector Gonzales, it cost the college approximately $50,000 last year, counting the cost of dorm rooms used to house players, to pay for the programs.

After hearing from women’s team members and coaches, Moreno made a motion to continue the programs for the coming year.

"I think we just let spending get out of hand and played way too many games," Moreno said. "I’d like to see us continue playing in the league with Alamo Community College teams, but that’s it."

In addition to limiting the number of games, Moreno’s motion included increasing funding in both teams’ club budgets from $2,500 to $4,000, allowing as many as six dorm rooms for players on each each team and requiring that at least 75% of each team be made up of players from SWTJC’s 11-county service area.

Moreno, along with board members Victor Lopez and Maria Elena Lara, voted for the motion, while board members Dr. Harry O. Watkins and Anita Shackelford voted against.

In other action at its July 15 meeting, the board tabled action on accepting property and casualty insurance bids and approved changes to the online catalog.

Curriculum and instruction director Dick Whipple also briefed the board on the current status of the college’s strategic development plan for 2011-2015.

At the beginning of the meeting, board president Rodolfo R. Flores presented trustee Maria Elena Lara her five-year service pin.

Students with questions about registering online should contact the main office at the campus where they will be attending classes in the fall.

CAMSC interns

SWTJC students selected for summer research internships at UT Austin include: (front, l-r) Ana Balino, Melanie Sandoval, Jessica Montalvo, (back) Dereck Albrecht, Oscar Fuentes, Jerry Sandoval, Edgar Sherman, Hector Valdez and Tony Braden. Not pictured is Adelso Contreras. The students are all part of the Creating A Math & Science Community (CAMSC) program at SWTJC.
SWTJC students enjoying
summer research internships
Ten Southwest Texas Junior College students are getting hands-on scientific research experience this summer as part of an initiative at the University of Texas at Austin. This is the second group of SWTJC students to participate in the Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) at UT.

For more information on the program contact Gerdes at 591-7802.

SWTJC board president Rodolfo R. Flores (second from right)

Action on the sale of the ABE construction class house and purchase of upgrades to the SWTJC network infrastructure and phone systems was tabled.

For more information on the academy and upcoming classes call 591-4158 or 591-7314.

Offsides

This kinetic, sole sculpture by SWTJC's Abel Ortiz is on display

New Art/Arte Nuevo: San Antonio 2010 opened on June 9 and will run through Aug. 6 at the UTSA Art Gallery located on the main campus in San Antonio.

According to exhibit organizers, a total of 150 artists with roots in South and West Texas submitted nearly 600 works of art for consideration.

Ortiz’s sole sculpture entitled "Offsides" was among the works selected for the exhibit by jurors Malaquias Montoya and Valerie Cassel Oliver.

The work features a vintage electronic football game converted to the U.S.-Mexico border. The plastic football players (plastic figures) have been converted to U.S. Border Patrol agents in dark green and Mexican immigrants dressed in white and wearing sombreros.

The sculpture is kinetic and, when turned on, it makes a loud noise as the surface vibrates and the figures chase each other across the Rio Grande River.

"Offsides" and other works in the exhibit will be available for viewing this summer at UTSA from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Sponsors for the exhibit include The Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992 and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

In addition, Ortiz will be featured in a solo show next month at Casa de la Cultura, located in Del Rio next to Brown Plaza. The Del Rio show will include a mix of Ortiz’s new work as well as some older pieces.

The opening reception for the Del Rio show is Friday, July 2. The public is invited to attend, free of charge.

Student success coordinator Kristi Gerdes will be the AVID program liaison at SWTJC.

"I was an AVID instructor at Uvalde High School. It’s a great program and I’m excited we will be initiating it at the college," Gerdes said. "This program will be another tool to help us help our students succeed."

According to Gerdes, the college will receive a $20,000 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board grant this year and next to implement the program which will offer a full range of academic support services using AVID strategies for first-time students who are not ready for college-level coursework.

Services will include the AVID Seminar course, tutorials, faculty/staff development and a variety of student support systems designed to continue through graduation.

In addition to SWTJC, other Texas colleges and universities selected to pilot the program include Central Texas College, Texas A&M - Commerce, Texas A&M - Kingsville, Texas State Technical College - Harlingen, University of Houston - Downtown, University of Texas Pan American and University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

AVID is a 30-year-old, non-profit college readiness system. AVID Postsecondary, the most recent addition to the system, was established to work with institutions of higher education to support students with the goal of increasing academic success, persistence and completion rates.

According to SWTJC Chief Financial Officer and Dean of Instructional Services Hector Gonzales, the cuts were officially announced this week in a memorandum to SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa Jr., from the governor’s office of budget, planning and policy.

"We have known of the possibility of these cuts since we received a letter from Governor Perry in January asking us to submit a plan to identifying savings in priority increments totaling 5% of state appropriations for the 2010-2011 biennium," Gonzales told the board.

SWTJC submitted its plan in February and on Monday received word that the plan had been approved and the cuts will be made.

"We understand the fiscal constraints the state is facing, but we are certainly disappointed that state funding for community colleges, the largest sector of higher education in Texas, is being cut by more than $90 million statewide," Gonzales said.

According to figures from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, community colleges enroll more than 670,000 students in Texas, accounting for more than half of all those enrolled in higher education in the state.

Gonzales told the board the cuts could not come at a more critical time for the college which has seen double-digit enrollment growth as "students look to manage the rising cost of state universities and workers seek new skills for the workplace.

"At SWTJC we have attempted to manage this increase in student demand while maintaining low tuition, but these state funding cuts certainly endanger our ability to continue to remain the affordable option for Southwest Texas."

Gonzales told the board, the impact of the funding cuts will be discussed in more detail during upcoming budget workshops scheduled in June.

"It is my recommendation that you prepare us a balanced budget with the income we have," board president Rodolfo R. Flores said. "If you want to spend more, tell us where the money will come from to pay for the increased spending."

The board will hold budget workshops at noon on June 10 and at 5:30 p.m. on June 17 just prior to the regular monthly board meeting.

In other matters at Thursday’s regular monthly meeting, the board approved the awarding of tenure to biology instructors Dr. Gabrielle Forbes and Michelle Crawford.

Action on re-organization of board officers was tabled until the June meeting at which time re-elected trustees Dr. Harry O. Watkins and Dr. Antonio H. Rivera will be officially sworn in for their new six-year terms.

Action on awarding a bid on the construction class house was also tabled because the agenda item was improperly worded.

Following the ceremony, graduates and their families attended a reception hosted by the college in the Matthews Student Center on the SWTJC Uvalde main campus.

Connie Buchanan (above right) and Jan Burchfield (below left) were

Top SWTJC
faculty honored
at dean’s breakfast

The annual Dean’s Breakfast traditionally marks the end of the spring semester at SWTJC.

SWTJC Director of Financial Aid Ana Almaraz will be master of ceremonies at this year’s event.

SWTJC Uvalde student Tanya Perez of Del Rio will deliver the invocation. The singing of The National Anthem will be led by SWTJC Uvalde student Alyssa R. Rodriguez of Uvalde.

Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., SWTJC president, will introduce college trustees and honored guests, and SWTJC Dean of Technology and Institutional Advancement Dr. Blaine Bennett will introduce the keynote speaker.

Irene Rodriguez-Dubberly of Yancey , SWTJC alumna and longtime educator, will deliver the keynote address.

Dean of Admissions and Student Services Joe Barker will present the graduating class and SWTJC board president Rodolfo R. Flores, along with trustees Dr. Antonio H. Rivera, Dr. Harry O. Watkins, Victor Lopez, Anita Shackelford, Tony Moreno and Maria Elena Lara will award diplomas and certificates.

SWTJC Dean of Instructional Services Hector E. Gonzales will recognize honor graduates and outstanding students in individual technical programs.

Friends and family are not allowed on the field or track until after the ceremony is over.

"We will have a photographer on hand taking photos of the graduates as they receive their diplomas," Barker said. "After the ceremony is over everyone is welcome to come on the field and take additional photos."

In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the La Forge Hall gymnasium on the SWTJC Uvalde campus, located at 2401 Garner Field Road.

Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to a reception in the Matthews Student Center on the SWTJC Uvalde campus.

This year’s graduation program lists a total of 388 students who will be receiving associate degrees. An additional 256 students will receive certificates in various technical programs.

Grant recipients

According to SWTJC Student Support Services director Leroy Muniz, 40 of the 275 program participants each received $500 in grant aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

"Students were selected for their active participation in program services and for meeting requirements listed in the grant aid guidelines," Muniz said.

Grant recipients from the Uvalde, Eagle Pass and Del Rio campuses attended the luncheon in the Bluebonnet Room of the Matthews Student Center.

Overall winners each received a $20 cash prize.

Former SWTJC president Billy Word reminisces during the first ever Friends and Alumni Network reunion/luncheon held April 24 in Uvalde. MORE PHOTOS

Through funds raised at the annual FAN President’s Gala and through annual donations from FAN donors, a total of 84 students have received over $32,000 in scholarships since the fall semester of 2008. An additional $23,000 in scholarships has been committed for 2010-2011.

"Irene and her family have been strong proponents of higher education and strong supporters of Southwest Texas Junior College for many years," SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., said. "We are very pleased she has accepted our invitation to speak at this year’s graduation."

Rodriguez-Dubberly, a native of D’Hanis, is one of 13 surviving children of a family of 15, ten males and five females. She and all of her siblings attended and graduated from D’Hanis High School. Ten of the Rodriguez children attended classes at SWTJC from 1957 through 1974.

After attending SWTJC, Rodriguez-Dubberly transferred to Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees with major studies in English and Spanish.

During a teaching career spanning nearly 30 years, she has held teaching positions at SWTJC, as well as at high schools in Hondo, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, Pearsall, Lytle and D’Hanis.

She has been an active member of The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE), serving as a local and regional officer and a member of several state committees.

In addition to her teaching career, she also worked with the Governor’s Office on Aging under then Gov. Dolph Briscoe, Jr., and for Amigos del Valle, a private, non-profit agency providing a variety of social services to senior citizens in the Rio Grande Valley.

Rodriguez-Dubberly is also a charter member of the SWTJC Friends and Alumni Network (FAN) and served as the group’s secretary from 2007-2009.

She loves to travel. Her travels include visits to Alaska and Hawaii, Mexico, several European countries and a recent trip to China. This summer, she and her sisters plan to visit several countries in South America.

She has been married to Sam A. Dubberly for 33 years and they have two sons, Nick, an alumnus of SWTJC and Nathan.

Cosmetology program director Barbara Compton and dual credit instructor Cheryl Hammer introduced students who won awards at recent district and state competitions in the SkillsUSA program.

By virtue of their first place finishes at the state competition, SWTJC students Roxy Torres and Martha Blanco will now advance to the SkillsUSA National Championships scheduled this summer in Kansas City, Mo.

Phi Theta Kappa Eta Beta Chapter president Andre Cruz, vice president of communications Lindsay Essenes and vice president of membership Ana Salazar, were also in attendance at Thursday’s meeting.

Cruz told the board of several awards the chapter received at the 92^nd annual Phi Theta Kappa International Convention held April 8-10 in Orlando, FL. The Eta Beta Chapter received a distinguished chapter award, a hallmark scholarship award and a hallmark service award. In each category, only 25 chapters are recognized of the more than 1,250 chapters worldwide.

Chapter advisor Blair noted that, of the six Texas chapters to receive distinguished chapter recognition, SWTJC’s group is by far the smallest.

"We inducted 54 students in 2009. Other Texas schools with distinguished chapters are Lone Star College in Houston with 138 (inductees), Tyler Junior College with 226, Brookhaven College in Dallas with 329, Austin Community College with 451 and Houston Community College with 510," Blair said. "Our group is small and that makes me even prouder of their accomplishments."

SWTJC Dean of Instructional Services and Chief Financial Officer Hector Gonzales gave highlights to the board from the state performance measure report and commented on the state funding outlook for next year and beyond.

According to the performance measure report, Gonzales noted that SWTJC ranks above the state average in nearly all categories.

Gonzales also noted that historical pattens would indicate a continued spike in enrollment until the economy fully recovers which could take as long as four years.

"No one knows for sure what will happen to state funding, but at best we think it will remain flat," Gonzales said. "If our enrollment continues to grow that means the same dollars to serve more students."

In addition, Gonzales said he expects at least part of state funding to be tied to educational achievement by the 2012-2013 school year.

"We don’t know yet exactly what will be measured, and how it will be measured, but I would guess that as much as 10% of state funding will be tied to performance in a couple of years," Gonzales said.

In the only action item on the board’s agenda, trustees voted to extend associate dean contracts to two years.

Second place team honors went to LBJ High School from Laredo, and Uvalde High School claimed third place.

The event was sponsored by the SWTJC Criminal Justice Department and Star Tech Prep.

On the SWTJC Uvalde campus, Mr. and Ms. SWTJC honors went to Jesus Castro and Vanessa Retiz representing Ballet Folklorico.

Mr. and Ms. SWTJC Del Rio are Neyba Mares and Marco Rodarte representing the Student Government Association.

Francisco Villarreal and Edith Salinas, representing School of Government, were Mr. and Ms. SWTJC honorees from the Eagle Pass campus.

Uvalde candidates
Del Rio candidates
Eagle Pass candidates

A total of 17 clubs had representatives in this year’s contest on the three main SWTJC campuses.

Who's Who honorees and Leadership Award winners were announced prior to this year's Palm's Fest. Who's Who, Leadership photos

The annual event is sponsored by the Student Activities Office.

All 2010 Who’s Who honorees were announced during the awards ceremony prior to the 56^th Annual Palm’s Festival held April 6 in Uvalde.

Coca-Cola scholar

Andre Cruz has been named an Coca-Cola silver scholar for 2010.

Cruz’s selection was based on scores earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition. This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

As a silver scholar, Cruz will receive a scholarship check for $1,250. Cruz plans to attend The University of Texas at Arlington this fall to pursue his Bachelor’s Degree in psychology.

Cruz, along with chapter members Ana Salazar, Hilary Prado, Tony Braden, Lindsay Essenes and Tanya Perez will all be attending Phi Theta Kappa’s International Convention in Orlando, FL, on April 8-10. Chapter advisor Barbara Blair will accompany the group.

The board selected Rodolfo R. Flores as the trustee who will confer degrees at the upcoming graduation ceremony scheduled on Saturday, May 15.

"We hope to make this an annual event for former students and anyone interested in the college," FAN president Gary Heyen said. "There are lots of exciting things going on at SWTJC and we want folks to come and see for themselves."

According to Heyen, the luncheon will be free of charge for those who RSVP by April 19 by calling 830.591.7351.

The reunion luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Matthews Student Center. There will be a time of registration and fellowship before lunch when former students may visit classmates, professors, administrators and friends of the college.

Following lunch, tours of the campus will be available, led by FAN members and current students.

"I encourage everyone to save the date and plan on joining us for a relaxing day of good food, remembrance, information and celebration of SWTJC," Heyen said.

The mission of the SWTJC FAN is to advance, support and promote the interests of the college, its students, alumni and members. FAN is committed to creatively and enthusiastically generate support through the contributions and talents of its members.

Funds raised through donations to FAN are used for scholarships and projects to benefit students, the college and its 11-county service area.

Since its formation in 2006, FAN has provided over $25,000 in financial assistance to students at various SWTJC campuses. An additional $10,000 will be given out in scholarships this spring to graduating seniors across the college’s 11-county service area.

If you are interested in the upcoming FAN reunion, please contact Wade Carpenter (830.591.7351) or Gary Heyen (830.591.2656).

Additional information about FAN can also be found on the college web site. Visit www.swtjc.edu and click on "Former Students."

"Thanks to the generosity of the students, faculty and staff, we were able to buy 50 pair of shoes for children at Christmas," club sponsor Imelda Ramirez said.

In addition, since Christmas, the "extra change" cans in the student center raised an additional $109 which was used to buy special formula for baby Bruno who was born with intestinal problems and faces surgery for a hernia repair.

"The SWTJC cosmetology program was well represented at this year’s state competition," Barbara Compton, SWTJC cosmetology director, said. "Once again our students showed they are among the best in the state in their respective divisions."

In the nail care division Martha Blanco and her model Ruby Cruz won first place, Marissa Gomez and her model Jeanette Rodriguez won second, and Dariela Gonzalez and model Alicia Estrada took third.

In the esthetic division Roxy Torres and model Maxine Morales won first, Kristina Flores and model Megan Morales took second, and Victoria Silva and model Alina Padilla claimed third place honors.

SWTJC’s Martha Blanco won a first place award in projects, while Daisy Castillo and Lupe Capuchin received second place awards for their projects.

The SWTJC quiz bowl team took second place. Team members included Martha Blanco, Roxy Torres, Alicia Estrada, Megan Morales and Carolina Cervantes.

Lucero Garcia also represented SWTJC in the competition held March 4-6 in San Antonio.

The three-day event, which showcased some of the best trade, technical and skilled service (including allied health) students in Texas, was held on the St. Philip’s College Southwest Campus.

By virtue of their first place finishes at the state competition, Roxy Torres and Martha Blanco will now advance to the SkillsUSA National Championships scheduled this summer in Kansas City, Mo.

Award-winning chapter

Members of SWTJC's award-winning Eta Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa attending the honor society's state convention include (l-r) Andre Cruz, Roseangela Cadena, Ana Salazar, Kayla Guevara, Hilary Prado, Tanya Perez, Trevor Pevehouse and Lindsay Essenes. The chapter was honored as one of the top 15 in the state during the convention in Houston.
Eta Beta chapter
wins top awards
at Texas convention
The Eta Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at SWTJC Uvalde has been recognized as a five-star chapter and named one of the top 15 chapters in Texas for the 2010-2011 school year.

Announcement of the awards came during the Texas Regional Convention held March 11-13 at Lone Star College - Tomball in Houston.

Chapter members attending the convention were Andre Cruz, Lindsay Essenes, Ana Salazar, Rosangela Cadena, Hilary Prado, Tanya Perez, Trevor Pevehouse and Kayla Guevara. They were accompanied by advisor Barbara Blair.

Andre Cruz was named to the Texas Hall of Honor and the District V Hall of Honor for members. Other Eta Beta chapter members named to the district hall of honor were Lindsay Essenes, Rosangela Cadena, Tony Braden and Hilary Prado. Chapter advisor Blair received a Horizon Award for advisors.

The Eta Beta Chapter also received a chapter of service award, an award of merit for chapter yearbook and a Pinnacle Award for increasing membership by at least ten percent.

According to chapter advisor Blair, top chapter awards are based on points received on Hallmark entries submitted to Phi Theta Kappa International headquarters in Jackson, MS. Entries detail chapter activities in scholarship, leadership and service.

According to SWTJC professional development director and TCCTA campus liaison Jill Coe, three faculty members were presenters at the annual event held at Houston’s Westin Galleria & Westin Oaks.

English instructor Marsha Heaton and history professor Barbara Blair both gave presentations during the "Great Ideas for Teaching" portion of the three-day conference..

Heaton’s presentation was entitled: Improving critical reading skills in Comp 1, while Blair gave a presentation entitled: Absenteeism, tardiness and retention.

Dr. Mitchel Burchfield, English professor and Academic Centers for Excellence director, was a co-presenter with Dr. David Sabrio, English professor at Texas A&M Kingsville. Their presentation was entitled: The Power of Positive Personal Values.

Other SWTJC faculty who attended the recent event were Coe, Claudia Kurek, Ernest Santos, Karla Kosub, Michele Crawford, Diane Underwood, George Ellis, Rebecca Andrews, Paul Kimble and Dr. Mark Underwood.

The Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA) is the largest organization of postsecondary educators in the state.

On May 24-27, the TCCTA will host The Great Teaching Roundup at the YO Ranch Resort in Kerrville. The 2011 TCCTA Convention is slated Jan. 27-29 at the Marriott San Antonio Rivercenter.

All visual arts entries in the contest will also be displayed in the Matthew’s Student Center Ballroom from April 19 through the night of the awards ceremony.

Additional information can also be obtained by contacting the SWTJC Workforce Training & Development Office at 866-775-8545 or 830-758-4125.

For more information on the course, contact the SWTJC Workforce Training & Development Office at 866-775-8545 or 830-758-4125.

All candidates must be nominated by a recognized campus club and winners will be crowned during the Palm’s Fest on Tuesday, April 6.

Nominations for the Uvalde campus must be turned in no later than March 22 to Student Activities Director Jessica Nuñez-Gonzalez. In Eagle Pass, nominations should be turned in to Claudia Rodriguez, and in Del Rio, Cody Barker will be accepting nominations.

Voting for Mr. and Ms. SWTJC will be March 29-31 in Uvalde in the Matthews Student Center.

Student activities directors on the three campuses also request that all club advisors submit names of top students in their respective organizations as Leadership Award winners. The "L" award is a symbol of excellence for club members who have made outstanding contributions to the organization.

Names of "L" award recipients should be turned in no later than Mar. 26.

For more information about the job fair contact Ronnie Garza at 591-2940.

According to SWTJC job placement coordinator Ronnie Garza, Monday’s session is for SWTJC students only.

"Once a student fills out an application they will be required to take a test," Garza said. "The whole application/testing process will take approximately two hours."

Practice tests are available from SWTJC job placement coordinator Ronnie Garza and SWTJC public information officer Willie Edwards.

Sessions will be held at on Monday at 1 and 6 p.m. in the conference rooms of the Matthews Student Center.

According to area recruiting assistant Nina Limones of Uvalde, a good number of field employee positions, paying $10.50 per hour, will be available in the city of Uvalde.

"Students must show a picture ID card (driver’s license) and their social security card at the time of their application," Limones said.

If students qualifiy for employment they will be required to attend an orientation session in March, prior to actually starting work as a field employee.

"Students will be able to work flexible hours and the jobs will last anywhere from 5 to 10 weeks, starting in late March," Limones said.

For more information students can contact Garza (591-2940) or Limones (591-3164)

According to Ronnie Garza, chairman of the Uvalde Area Job Fair Committee, this year’s event promises to be an excellent opportunity for SWTJC students and area residents to learn about job and career opportunities.

"We’ve been putting on a great event in Uvalde for 11 years and feel that this year’s job fair will continue in this tradition," Garza said. "We hope our students come and make the best of this opportunity."

According to Garza, a list of employers expected to have representatives at the job fair include: Amistad Nursing and Rehab Center, LLC; CBP - U.S. Border Patrol/U.S. Customs; Community Council of Southwest Texas, Inc.; Community Health Development, Inc.; Del Monte Foods; Diaz Insurance Agency Farmers Insurance; TPWD Garner State Park; Holt Cat; International Bank of Commerce; and Motivation Education & Training, Inc.

Also, Primerica, Texas Agrilife Extension Service, Texas Deparment of Criminal Justice, Texas Veterans Commission, Time Warner Cable, Tractor City of Uvalde, U.S. Army, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Navy, Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, Uvalde County VA Office, Uvalde County Sheriff's Office, Uvalde EMS, Uvalde Healthcare & Rehab Center, Uvalde Police Department and Middle Rio Grande Workforce Solutions.

For more information  contact Garza at 591-2940.

The luncheon is being hosted by Creating a Math and Science Community (CAMSC) and will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling Patricia Perez at 591-4173.

Featured speaker for the luncheon will be Dr. Ian Duncan from the University of Texas at Austin, who leads the Earth and Environmental Systems group at the Bureau of Economic Geology.

Additional presentations will be made by SWTJC students Adelso Contreras and Jessica Montalvo, two STEM scholarship recipients who were interns last summer in the Freshman Research Initiative at the University of Texas at Austin.

"Adelso and Jessica will be discussing their internship experience and explaining some of the hands-on research work they did last summer on aptamer streams," SWTJC student success coordinator Kristi Gerdes said.

CAMSC is currently accepting applications for additional internships this coming summer at UT Austin. Students selected for the 10-week internships will receive free room and board on the UT campus, as they participate in hands-on research on a wide variety of projects. Additionally, students receive a stipend upon completion of the internship.

During the luncheon, STEM scholarships will be awarded to SWTJC students. To qualify for scholarships, students must be pursuing a degree in a STEM field, have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate some type of financial need.

Applications for STEM scholarships will be available at the luncheon and will be accepted until March 5.

Ben Kothmann – Blu Ray player and movie

Daniel Hucko – Gift certificates from Therapeutic Massage & Wellness Center

Frances Brown – Birch-bark basket with breakfast items

Betsy Prado – Gift box with spa treatment products

Joaquin Perez – Applebee’s $25 gift card

Margarita Montalvo – Mary Kay gift bag

Diana Nuno – Estee Lauder make-up and travel bag

Upward Bound lists
winners of drawing
The Upward Bound Program held a drawing for a variety of prizes on Feb. 12.

Program officials thank prize donors and all those who purchased tickets for the drawing.

Winners include: Maria Salas, Uvalde, trip for two to Las Vegas; Cuca Uriegas, Uvalde, gas barbecue grill; Norma Hernandez, Eagle Pass, HD television; Iracema Guerra, Del Rio, $400 HEB gift card.

Other winners are: Eric Moreno, Pearsall, man’s watch; Christian Flores, Uvalde, lady’s watch; Ricardo M. Gonzales, Uvalde, silver pearl necklace; and Klarissa Carizales, Pearsall, surprise prize.

Trustees to the SWTJC Board are elected to six-year terms.

Tucker will present during
ASU writer’s conference

Keynote speaker at this year’s ASU conference will be Mary Karr, author of the best-selling memoirs The Liars Club and Cherry, as well as four poetry collections.

ATD announced last month that 21 colleges have earned its newly created designation by virtue of sustained improvement on key student achievement indicators.

According to SWTJC student engagement initiatives director Rachel C. Rivera, the ATD designation is validation of the college’s concerted efforts to improve student success through a variety of initiatives.

"It’s an honor for us to be chosen a Leader College and I want to congratulate all the faculty, staff and students whose hard work has made this recognition possible," Rivera said.

ATD Leader Colleges include institutions large and small, rural and urban, single and multi-campus that have identified workable solutions to a variety of student success challenges.

SWTJC is a round one institution in the ATD initiative which was conceived in 2004 by Lumina Foundation for Education and eight national partner organizations. ATD has expanded over the years to more than 100 institutions in 22 states, reaching nearly one million students.

"As a result of our participation in the ATD initiative we are a much different institution today than when we began in the fall of 2005," Rivera said. "ATD has played a pivotal role in transforming our college’s culture by providing guidance, sharing ideas, providing financial support and most importantly, encouraging us to engage in courageous and honest conversations about how we do business – especially as it relates to student success."

Initiatives implemented at SWTJC as part of ATD include: supplemental instruction, math linking, a college success course, critical reading and an at-risk program.

Rivera said that data from these initiatives shows student improvement in completion of college-level "gatekeeper" math and English courses, advancement from remedial to credit-bearing courses and student retention.

Achieving the Dream: Community colleges count is focused on creating a "culture of evidence" on community college campuses in which data collection and analysis drive efforts to identify problems that prevent students from succeeding – particularly low-income students and students of color – and develop programs to help them stay in school and receive a certificate or diploma or transfer to a four-year institution.

"These success measures are the heart of the Achieving the Dream mission," said Carol Lincoln, national director of ATD. "The hard work and commitment that these Leader Colleges – their administrators, professors, support personnel, IR and IT staffs, and the students themselves – have demonstrated over time have led to important educational and institutional-based improvements that have helped increase student achievement on their campuses."

Participating ATD institutions receive coaching to help administrators, faculty and staff lead institutional change and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Institutions that wish to be considered a Leader College are rigorously assessed by Achieving the Dream on the five indicators of student performance. Together with the assessment of the colleg’s coach and data facilitator, a review team determines whether a college has earned the Leader College designation.

"We expect these colleges to serve as mentors with the Achieving the Dream community of learners, as well as advocates for the principles of Achieving the Dream," Lincoln said. "Creating and implementing student success initiatives that have an impact takes time and patience. It’s critical that we get it right and that we learn from institutions that have demonstrated success in key areas and maintained progress over time."

In addition to SWTJC, four other Texas community colleges have been designated Leader Colleges, including: Coastal Bend College, El Paso Community College District, Houston Community College System and South Texas College.

Bennett updated the board on initiatives underway through the Title V and Creating a Math and Science Community (CAMSC) programs at SWTJC.

For more information on the upcoming trip contact Gerd

All visual arts entries in the contest will also be displayed in the Matthew’s Student Center Ballroom from April 19 through the night of the awards ceremony.

To find out more about the exact location and business hours at each of the three centers, visit the CHDI web site at www.chdi4health.org

Monroe will be presented her medal in February during a ceremonial session at the AAPT Winter Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C.

Lila Adair, chairman of the AAPT Awards Committee, will make the presentation.

"Mary Beth is an amazing lady who has dedicated her entire career to sharing her passion for physics and AAPT with her students, colleagues and fellow AAPT members," Adair said. "She is one of the few experts I turn to for the institutional history of AAPT and I am very proud to be presenting the Phillips Medal to her."

As a longtime AAPT member, Monroe has quietly and tenaciously served the organization at the state and national level for more than three decades. She served as AAPT secretary and chair of the publications committee from 2001-2007 and is currently serving as a member of the committee on the interests of senior physicists and as chair of the governance review committee.

In addition, Monroe has played a leading role in developing networks among physicists teaching in two-year colleges that have led both to their increasing involvement in AAPT and to better teaching for students who study physics in these schools.

"The Melba Newell Phillips Medal is AAPT’s highest recognition for member leadership and service. Mary Beth personifies these qualities through her continuing role as a leader in our organization and in the two-year college community," said Warren Helm, AAPT’s executive officer.

Monroe received her B.S. degree in physics from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. She went on to earn and her M.S. in physics (research field, plasma physics) with a double minor in junior college teaching (HEW intern) and math from SHSU in 1973.

She is a dedicated proponent of quality physics education in two-year and community colleges. Monroe served on the AAPT executive board as member-at-large representing two-year colleges and as a member of the committee on physics in the two-year college. Additionally, she served as principal investigator and project director for TYC21 and as co-principal investigator for strategic programs for innovations in undergraduate physics at two-year colleges from 2002-2005.

Upon learning she had been selected for the award, Monroe said, "I was stunned when I received word that I had been selected to receive the esteemed Melba Newell Phillips Medal. Melba was responsible for me attending my first AAPT national meeting in 1977 and she used her influence to help place me on several committees in my first years with the association.

"She impressed upon me that I had a responsibility not only to my students, but also beyond the classroom to the physics education community. The AAPT has provided me opportunities to address both. Therefore this award, which embodies the ideals Melba had for physics education and AAPT, has special significance for me and I am honored and humbled by this recognition."

The Melba Newell Phillips Medal honors Phillips for her leadership and dedicated service to physics education. She was the first woman president of the AAPT and a founder of the Federation of American Scientists.

Professor Phillips’ research was in nuclear physics and she served on the faculty of Brooklyn College and the University of Chicago. She was a champion of physics education throughout her life.

This award is given only occasionally to AAPT leaders who display similar achievements and exceptional contributions to physics education. Monroe is the 11^th recipient of the medal award. The first recipient was Melba Phillips herself (emeritus, University of Chicago), in January 1982.

Founded in 1930, AAPT is an international organization for physics educators, physicists and industrial scientists – with more than 10,000 members worldwide.

Dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching, AAPT provides awards, publications and programs that encourage practical application of physics principles, support continuing professional development and reward excellence in physics education.

According to Derek Sandoval, head of the SWTJC kinesiology department, a variety of new twists have been added to this year’s "golden" celebration.

"We wanted to celebrate this landmark in grand fashion, so we’ve added several extras to this year’s tournament agenda," Sandoval said.

Prior to the opening day of the tournament (Dec. 10), the SWTJC Cowboys will host nationally ranked Midland College on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

Following the Cowboys’ game, former Harlem Globetrotter and San Antonio Spur Melvin Adams, will show off some of his skills and give a motivational talk entitled: "Character – Even when no one is looking."

All teams participating in the tournament have been invited to attend Wednesday’s game and Adams’ presentation. The public is also invited to attend the event free of charge.

"It should be a fantastic game and I know Melvin will deliver a fun and inspirational message," Sandoval said. "Let’s fill the stands on Wednesday and get ready for the tipoff of this year’s tournament."

A reception, for all former players, coaches and officials, is also on tap in conjunction with the 50^th Annual SWTJC High School Tournament. The reception will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom.

"The reception will be held just prior to the tournament finals on Saturday night," Sandoval said. "We invite all former tourney participants to come by for some refreshments and to enjoy lots of smiles reminiscing about past tournaments."

Commemorative t-shirts will also be on sale during this year’s tournament, with proceeds benefitting the SWTJC Cowboys basketball team.

The annual hospitality room and open house for faculty and staff will be held on Thursday and Friday starting each day at 10:30 a.m.

Tournament action will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10. Games on Thursday will feature boys and girls teams from D’Hanis, Utopia, Knippa and Brackettville.

On Friday, teams from Sabinal, Leakey, La Pryor and Nueces Canyon will see action.

Finals in the girls division will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the boys final at 8:30. The Knippa Rockcrushers are the defending boys champions and the Nueces Canyon Lady Panthers are the defending champions in the girls division.

"Once again businesses and individuals across the region showed their tremendous generosity and we are certainly grateful for all the support," gala committee member Willie Edwards said.

The evening of dinner and dancing started out with a performance by the Uvalde High School Jazz Band under the direction of Mark Lyon. Other entertainment was provided by Ballet Folklorico groups from SWTJC Uvalde and SWTJC Eagle Pass.

A steak dinner with all the trimmings was served, followed by a video on SWTJC produced by Ismael Martinez and Wade Carpenter of the college’s public information office. After dinner, dance music was provided by Chente Barrera and Taconazo.

Also highlighting the evening was a silent auction. A total of 70 items were included in the auction which raised $5,700.

Winning tickets were also drawn for $4,956 in prizes in a first ever raffle sponsored in conjunction with this year’s gala.

Winners included Dr. Sergio Zamora, Eagle Pass; Rosenda Avila, Del Rio; Bob Casparis, Utopia; Pablo Camacho, Jr., Crystal City; Gilbert Garza III of Uvalde; Andrea Flores, Uvalde; Tim Reed, Uvalde; Veronica Morales, Eagle Pass; Al Schomber, Houston; and Alyssa Cantu, Carrizo Springs.

Eunice Sosa was recognized as the FAN volunteer of the year for her work on the gala.

To date, the SWTJC FAN has provided $22,341 in scholarships beginning with the fall semester of 2008. An additional $14,000 in scholarships has been committed for the spring 2010 semester.

FAN officers for 2009-2011 include: Gary Heyen, president; Roy Luevano, vice president; Rosalinda Ortiz, secretary; and Barrett Miller, treasurer.

PHOTOS

Campus superlatives

SWTJC Uvalde campus superlatives were announced

A traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey and dressing and all the trimmings was served prior to the awards ceremony.

The 5K event will begin at 8:30 followed by the one-mile kids’ run at 9:30. The Kids K will begin at 10 a.m. An awards ceremony is scheduled at 10:30.

Anyone needing help getting started on registering online should contact the admissions office in the Flores Student Services Building in Uvalde, or the main offices in Crystal City, Del Rio and Eagle Pass.

Spring registration starts Nov. 9.

"We are sorry that we are having to cancel the job fair," job placement coordinator Ronnie Garza said. "With many area employers not hiring and trying to do more with less due to a sluggish economy, we just didn’t have sufficient interest and decided to cancel the event"

Garza said that the college will continue to work on finding prospective employers to participate in the community job fair slated in March.

"I will be chairman for the community job fair in March and will keep SWTJC students informed about the spring job fair," Garza said.

All past members of the chapter in attendance will receive special recognition during the ceremony.

"I encourage all of our faculty, and any past members on our staff, to make a special effort to attend Tuesday’s ceremony," SWTJC Dean of Instruction Hector Gonzales said. "This is a milestone for the chapter and longtime advisor Barbara Blair. I hope we have a big crowd on hand to share in the celebration."

When the chapter was chartered 60 years ago, five students were inducted including L.B. Robertson, Rose Molloy Stuessey, Rodolfo R. Flores, Mrs. O.L. Rodgers and Charles Leinweber.

Rodolfo R. Flores, the only surviving charter member will be a guest speaker at the upcoming 60^th anniversary induction. Flores is a longtime member and current president of the SWTJC Board of Trustees.

A reserved seating section will be in place for alumni members. In addition, chapter yearbooks and awards received over the years will be on display.

"We are looking forward to this reunion with Phi Theta Kappans," said chapter adviser Barbara Blair.

Eta Beta Chapter alumni include Texas State Representative Tracy King; the Honorable Reynaldo G. Garza, U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; Ben Kinchlow, co-host of the 700 Club; and numerous members of the SWTJC faculty and staff.

Other nationally and internationally known Phi Theta Kappa alumni include Dr. Sylvia Earle, oceanographer; Dr. Joe B. Frantz, Texas historian and author; Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; Dr. William Roper, director, Centers for Disease Control; Admiral B.R. Inman, former deputy director of the CIA; H. Ross Perot, businessman; Jim Lehrer, anchor of PBS The News Hour with Jim Lehrer; Rudy Gatlin and Trisha Yearwood, Grammy award-winning country western musicians; and Sela Ward, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress.

In its 60 years of existence, the Eta Beta Chapter at SWTJC has won numerous state and national awards. Last spring, the chapter was named as one of 15 top chapters in the state and one of 25 top chapters nationwide.

Today Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters located in all 50 of the United States, U.S. territories, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Germany, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United Arab Emirates and Palau.

The innovative programs and services and array of membership benefits offered by Phi Theta Kappa are unequaled among honor societies. Co-curricular programs focus upon the society's hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. An estimated 200,000 students participate in Phi Theta Kappa programs each year.

Annually, approximately 100,000 students are inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. To be eligible for membership a student must complete a minimum of 12 hours of associate degree course work and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

The average age of a new member is 29, ranging from 18 to 80. Part-time and full-time students are eligible for membership. The average Phi Theta Kappan is enrolled full-time with a GPA of 3.8. The most popular major of Phi Theta Kappa members is nursing, followed closely by education and busine

According to SWTJC Dean of Instruction and Chief Financial Officer Hector Gonzales, the administration has been unable to find an outside agency that would be able to administer the election for the college.

"We’ve looked into trying to find an outside consultant, but there just aren’t any out there," Gonzales said. "The Texas Secretary of State office doesn’t even have a list of election consultants available in the state."

Gonzales presented the board with one possible plan that would involve Uvalde County officials handling the SWTJC election in conjunction with the county election. In addition, the college would hire election administrators outside of SWTJC employment to administer the election in Real and Zavala counties.

According to Gonzales, his estimate of the total cost of such a plan is approximately $72,000. The cost of the last election SWTJC conducted, in May of 2008, was $52,000. Gonzales said $100,000 is currently budgeted for the 2010 election.

The board advised Gonzales to keep working on his plan, and any possible alternatives, and put the matter back on the board’s November agenda as an action item.

Voters will elect two trustees, places six and seven, in the upcoming election. Dr. Harry O. Watkins of Uvalde is the current trustee in place six and Dr. Antonio H. Rivera of Crystal City holds the place seven spot on the board.

Watkins and Rivera were both elected to their first six-year term in 1998 and re-elected in 2004 when they both ran unopposed.

In other action at its regular meeting on Oct. 15, the board tabled action until next month on setting a meeting date for the board’s December meeting and denied a request from the Uvalde County Appraisal District to retain $2,928 in surplus funds left over from UCAD’s 2008 budget.

Newly elected members of the SWTJC Uvalde Student Senate were also introduced to the board. Sophomore senators are Gus Flores, Fatima Abraham, Abby Martinez, Natalie Sanchez and Gabriela Luevano. Freshman senators include Hilary Prado, Mark Garza, Katie Morales, David Duran and Grace Costilla.

Dr. Danny Kelley and Dr. Kevin Lambert,

Kevin Lambert, DMA, dean of the college of liberal and fine arts at Angelo State University, will present the guest recital at 7 p.m. in the Tate Auditorium. He will be accompanied by pianist Danny Kelley, DMA, dean of arts and sciences at Prairie View A&M University and Louellen Meyer, organist and director of music ministries at First Presbyterian Church in San Angelo.

"It is a great honor for SWTJC to be able to host these outstanding musicians," SWTJC music instructor Ann McKinney said. "I encourage everyone to come take advantage of this unique opportunity."

According to McKinney, in addition to performing, Dr. Lambert will also give some history and background on each of his selections.

"Dr. Lambert told me that nearly all of the program will be in English featuring works by contemporary composers," McKinney said. "It will be an entertaining and educational evening for us all."

Lambert, who received his doctor of musical arts degree in choral literature and performance from the University of Colorado, is active as a choral clinician and tenor soloist. He has conducted such major works as the Brahms Requiem, Handel’s Messiah and the Mozart Requiem.

He was a regional finalist in the Upper Midwest Division of the Metropolitan Opera auditions and in 2004 he sang at the International Music Festival in Hirosaki, Japan.

Dr. Kelley, who began his piano studies at the age of five, received his doctor of musical arts degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music of The John Hopkins University.

While a student at the Peabody Conservatory, Kelley won the Baltimore Music Club’s prestigious professional debut recital award and, subsequent to this, he was presented in a solo recital at the Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City.

Kelley has performed in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and as a soloist with orchestras in Baltimore, San Antonio and Houston.

The upcoming program is being hosted by the SWTJC Humanities and Fine Arts Department.

Lambert and Kelley were the guests of SWTJC at a similar performance in February of 2007.

Leadership conference

Chapter members Andre Cruz, Tony Braden, Ana Salazar and Rosangela Cadena were accompanied to the conference by advisor Barbara Blair and Rick Jones.

The group attended a series of leadership workshops at Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler. Eta Beta Chapter and Blinn College - Bryan presented a workshop on "Articulating Your Vision." Andre Cruz did the presentation for the Uvalde chapter.

Advisor Barbara Blair served as a workshop leader for the leadership exercise, "Lost on the Moon."

Over 300 Phi Theta Kappans from across the state attended the three-day conference.

If you would like to attend, please contact Patricia Perez at 591-4173. Lunch will be provided.

For more information on the upcoming event contact Garza (591-2940) or Elsa De Hoyos (591-4198).

"The arena is obviously pretty wet, but it looks like the rain is over and we’ve got all day for things to dry up some," coach Roy Angermiller said. "It might be a bit sloppy tonight, but the show will go on."

Tonight’s performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Over 415 contestants, representing some 15 colleges and universities from the Southern Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), are competing.

According to SWTJC rodeo coach Roy Angermiller, Sam Houston State University, Wharton County Junior College and Louisiana’s McNeese State University are expected to battle it out for the team title in the men’s division.

In the women’s division, Texas A&M University has one of the top teams along with SWTJC’s own Cowgirls.

"This is one of the best women’s teams we’ve had in several years," Angermiller said. "We hope they give the hometown fans a lot to cheer about."

Members of the girls team include Razzi Beyer, Heather Arnott, Victoria Rodriguez, Rebecca Hurt, Jessica Jones, Brittany Palmer, Senisa Blandford, Shanna Real and Kristine Specht.

According to SWTJC rodeo coach Roy Angermiller, nationally renowned rodeo stock contractor Terry Walls will provide stock for this year’s event and hall of fame professional rodeo clown Leon Coffee of Blanco, Texas, will be the featured entertainment.

In the men’s division, competition will be held in bareback bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping and bull riding.

Events for the women include barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying.

Tickets for nightly performances are $5 at the gate. Children 12 and under, and SWTJC students who show a current student ID, will be admitted free of charge.

The SWTJC Faculty Association will operate the concession stand at this year’s rodeo, serving drinks and a variety of food items. Proceeds from the concession stand will be used for faculty association student scholarships.

Top vote getter in the race for sophomore senator was Natalie Sanchez with 32 votes. Other sophomores elected were Gabby Luevano, Abby Martinez, Fatima Abraham and Gus Flores.

Hilary Prado and David Duran each received 39 votes to lead freshman candidates in the recent election. Other freshman senators elected include Katy Morales, Grace Costilla and Mark Garza.

A total of nine sophomores and six freshmen ran for election. Seventy-six students cast ballots

Theme of the 2009 conference, held Sept 9-12 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, was "College Opportunity: A National Investment."

According to Hernandez, his presentation focused on a new initiative implemented last spring at SWTJC in an effort to increase parental involvement in their children’s education.

"We started our Administration Parent Team (APT) last spring and it has been a resounding success," Hernandez said. "In my presentation at the COE conference, I outlined the first year of our APT initiative and plans for the coming years."

Student retention has been one of the most obvious benefits of the program, Hernandez said, with the Upward Bound retention rate increasing from 83 to 93% over the past year.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the increased retention in our program is a direct result of increased parental involvement," Hernandez said.

The first workshop for parents, held last February, had 100 parents in attendance. "Helping students/parents help themselves" was the title of the first workshop.

Parents were divided into three groups and attended three different presentations. Presenters included Hernandez, Diana Perez Garcia and Julie Garcia.

Hernandez spoke to parents about future program plans and expectations and Julie Garcia, student support services staff member, gave a hands-on program on accessing the SWTJC web page and links to a wide variety of student/parent information.

Diana Perez Garcia, director of the SWTJC Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), gave a presentation entitled: "How to stay involved and not be a pest!"

Additional events were held in the spring including a golf tournament fund-raiser coordinated by parents and a family picnic at Ft. Clark Springs attended by 276 students and family members.

"I think we showed this past year that parents want to be involved and all they really needed was a conscious effort on our part to make that happen," Hernandez said. "Our challenge now is to keep them involved."

According to Hernandez, additional workshops for parents are planned this year on a variety of topics including the importance of post-secondary entrance exams, applying for financial aid, scholarship opportunities and academic/entrance assessment policies.

A total of 49 students, representing 11 area communities, are participating in the SWTJC Upward Bound Program.

Students selected for the Upward Bound Program attend 14 Saturday classes during the regular school year and a six-week summer session. During the summer session, students live in SWTJC dorms and attend daily reading, writing and math classes on Monday through Thursday. Physical education classes are also held each evening.

In addition to classes, students also take several weekend "cultural" field trips during the summer.

"To date I have received nine sophomore applications, but only three freshmen," senate advisor Willie Edwards said. "Applications are available in the Student Activities Lounge or in my office."

A list of official candidates will be posted across campus and on the News & Events page on Monday, Sept. 28.

Ten senators, five freshmen and five sophomores, will be elected in a campus election scheduled Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Once senators are elected, they will elect a president, vice president, secretary and other officers.

"The idea behind a student senate is to have students select from among themselves a group who will represent the students and help address their concerns," Edwards said. "The process only works if candidates apply and students vote."

To be eligible as a candidate, students must be enrolled in at least 12 hours this fall. Sophomores must have accumulated at least 24 hours with an overall Grade Point Average of 2.0. Students will be required to maintain a 2.0 GPA to keep their senate seat in the spring semester.

Anyone who has questions about running for an office on the student senate should contact Edwards at wedwards@swtjc.cc.tx.us or by calling 591-7222.

Get involved. Run for SWTJC Uvalde Student Senate.

The two-cent increase over 2008 is the first increase in the tax rate since 2004 when the rate was increased from 9 to 11 cents.

TAX INCREASE NOTICE

At the request of Barrett Miller, associate dean of finance, the board tabled action on adjusting the base contribution rate for the optional retirement program pending a decision by the State Attorney General.

"Once we get a decision from the attorney general we may want to revisit this issue, but right now we request that action be tabled," Miller said.

SWTJC Dean of Admissions and Student Services Joe Barker reported to the board on enrollment for the fall semester.

According to Barker, total enrollment this fall stands at 5,831, an 18% increase over 2008.

Barker said the downturn in the economy is part of the reason for this year’s jump in enrollment, but there were other factors.

"The economy was definitely a factor, but our staff in admissions, financial aid, public information and recruiting also put in a lot of hard work and I believe deserve much of the credit," Barker said. "Our faculty has also been very gracious and cooperative over the past year in going on recruiting trips and that was a big help."

SWTJC Dean of Instruction Hector Gonzales also thanked the faculty for their cooperation in taking on increased class loads this fall.

"Our faculty have really stepped up and I appreciate their support," Gonzales said. "Nearly all our faculty have taken on at least one overload and some have two and three."

Board president Rodolfo R. Flores commended the faculty and staff for all their efforts.

"The faculty and everybody is doing a great job and we appreciate all their hard work," Flores said.

For more information on H1N1 visit www.texasflu.org or www.cdc.gov

Presented by HEB, the two-day event will be staged Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, at the Uvalde County Fairgrounds. Gates for the festival will open from noon to midnight both days.

According to event coordinator Wade Carpenter, SWTJC is a co-producer of this year’s event.

"The college staff has stepped up an done a great job getting this year’s event organized," Carpenter said. "It’s a pretty big undertaking and we could still use some volunteers to help in a variety of areas."

Students or staff interested in helping should contact volunteer coordinator Margot Mata at 591-7223.

Uvalde’s grammy-award-winning group Los Palominos will be the featured performers on Sunday. Other Sunday musical performers will include: Pega Pega Grupo Pegasso, Grupo Solido, Fuego Indio and Ricardo Castillon y La Diferenzia.

Headlining Saturday night’s concert stage will be Grupo Vida (The Electric Cowboys) and Lick, formerly Madhouse.

Continuous live entertainment will be featured both days on the Bud Light Concert Stage and the Pocket Smart Wireless Community Stage.

In addition to music, festival goers can enjoy a variety of rodeo action. On Saturday a CPRA sactioned event, "Bulls, Broncs and Barrels," will start at 7 p.m., while on Sunday, rodeo action will continue with the Palomino Fest Team Roping beginning at 3 p.m.

This year’s Labor Day Weekend Celebration will officially kick off with The Uvalde National Bank Grand Parade through downtown Uvalde starting at 11 a.m. Saturday. Also scheduled Saturday are the Briscoe Ranch BBQ Cookoff Challenge and a volleyball tournament.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Car Show will highlight Sunday activities starting at noon.

Kids entertainment will feature performances by Lanky the Clown, as well as a variety of activities including pony rides, a bungy blast, a 30-foot giant tiger slide, a rock climbing wall, jump-a-lots and a dunking booth.

A calf scramble and a mutton bustin will also be available for youngsters during Saturday’s rodeo performance.

Food booths, along with arts and crafts booths, are also a main feature of the annual event.

"The large variety of food items alone is reason enough to attend the festival," Carpenter said. "Bring your appetite, you’ll need it."

Single-day tickets to the festival are $10 each and kids 10 and under will be admitted free, when accompanied by an adult. A two-day super pass is also available for a discounted rate of $15.

"The super pass is the best deal as it allows you to attend every event both days," Carpenter said. "Super passes can be purchased Saturday at the gate."

Get involved. Run for SWTJC Uvalde Student Senate.

According to Barrett Miller, SWTJC associate dean of finance, the proposed rate represents a 17.43% increase over the effective tax rate of 11 cents.

Next step in the formal adoption of the new rate will be the holding of public hearings on Sept. 3 and Sept. 10. Both public hearings will be held at 7 p.m. in the Bluebonnet Room of the Matthews Student Center.

The board is scheduled to formally adopt its new tax rate at its Sept. 17 meeting.

Following a continental breakfast starting at 8 a.m., Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., SWTJC president, will welcome returning faculty during the first fall convocation general session at 9 a.m. in the Tate Auditorium.

SWTJC deans will follow Sosa’s presentation and then the keynote speaker, Dr. Byron McClenney of the University of Texas at Austin, will begin his presentation at 10:30 a.m.

McClenney, an expert on developmental education, is currently on the staff of UT Austin’s Community College Leadership Program. He serves as project director of Achieving the Dream and as a senior lecturer in the Department of Educational Administration.

Lunch will be served all SWTJC faculty and staff, following Dr. McClenney’s presentation.

A variety of professional development sessions, division and department meetings are on tap Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday (Aug. 20-21) for college faculty and staff.

For a complete list of fall convocation activities visit the SWTJC professional development website.

For more information on registration, contact the admissions office at 591-7255. The first day of fall classes is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24.

For more information on registration, contact the admissions office at 591-7255. The first day of fall classes is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24.

Included in the budget is a two-cent increase to the district’s current tax rate of 11 cents, the first increase in the tax rate since 2004

SWTJC Chief Financial Officer Hector Gonzales and Associate Dean of Finance Barrett Miller presented a summary of a $38.4 million budget being proposed by the administration. The proposed budget included a four-cent tax increase.

"I can work magic, but I’m telling you I’ve cut this budget to the bare bones level," Gonzales said. "There is no cushion."

Following the budget summary presentation and a lengthy discussion, board member Victor Lopez of Crystal City made a motion to adopt the budget as presented with the four-cent tax increase. Board secretary Dr. Antonio H. Rivera, also of Crystal City, seconded the motion, but it failed with Lopez and Rivera voting for and board president Rodolfo R. Flores, vice president Dr. Harry O. Watkins, Maria Elena Lara and Nita Shackelford voting against.

Lara then made a motion for a budget including a two-cent tax increase with all the increase targeted for faculty/staff salary increases. Flores seconded the motion and it passed 4-2. Lara, Flores, Watkins and Shackelford voted for the motion, with Lopez and Rivera voting no. Trustee Tony Moreno was not in attendance.

According to chief financial officer Gonzales, the approved operating budget will include a 1.2% across-the-board salary increase, plus steps and increments to qualifying personnel.

The administration must now cut $326,000 from the budget presented Thursday night, to balance the $38.1 million budget approved by the board.

Approximately 30 SWTJC faculty and staff attended Thursday’s meeting.

Prior to the budget discussion, cosmetology director Barbara Compton introduced two of her award winning students to the board.

Compton recognized Jessica Galindo of Batesville for winning a skill points certificate at the recent SkillsUSA National Championships in Kansas City, MO. Compton also recognized Toni Medina of Carrizo Springs for receiving a gold medal for t-shirt design at the SkillsUSA state competition held this past spring in San Antonio.

In other matters, the board approved a new five-year contract with Ede & Company for auditing services through 2013 and renewed the college’s property/casualty insurance policy with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).

According to instructor and program director Albert Hernandez, the group just finished a six-weeks stay on the Southwest Texas Junior College campus in Uvalde.

"These students dedicated themselves to their work and I am very proud of the work they did this summer," Hernandez told students, family and friends gathered for the 2009 summer closing ceremony.

Following welcoming remarks by SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa and SWTJC Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Dr. Blaine Bennett, Hernandez presented certificates of completion to program participants.

Uvalde students recognized included Aracely Vasquez, Christopher Cruz, Felix Sonora, Jr., Gabriel Roman, Joe A. Flores, Jordan J. Rodriguez, Juan Martinez III, Justin G. Rangel, Lee Caldwell, Maria C. Rodriguez, Misty Ramos, Roberto A. Martinez and Steven Guedea.

Overall top students were also recognized by Hernandez, including Elizabeth Lutz of D’Hanis, reading; Katherine Ramirez of Pearsall, writing; and Anele Bilski of Eagle Pass, math.

Summer classes included intensive instruction in reading, writing and math on a daily basis, along with regular presentations by area business, professional, educational and governmental leaders. Evening physical education classes were also part of the summer program.

"I want to extend a special thanks to all the area business people and professionals who took the time to come visit with our students about their professions and what goes on in the real world," Hernandez said.

In addition, the group was taken on several cultural and educational trips on the weekends this summer, including visits to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, the Lone Star Airplane Museum in Galveston and Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.

Upward Bound students, instructors and support staff were also joined by family and friends at a "Family Day" event held this summer at Ft. Clark Springs in Brackettville.

"We started a new initiative this year to build a closer alliance between the program administration, parents and students," Hernandez said. "We had good turnouts at parent workshops we held last spring and a total of 276 people attend Family Day this summer. Parental support is vital to student success and our students are fortunate to have strong support at home."

According to Upward Bound guidelines, the program is designed to help prepare low income/first generation college students for entry into higher education.

"These are students who have shown some scholastic potential but who need a little extra help to get ready for college," Hernandez said. "Our job is to prepare them both academically and psychologically to enter and succeed in college."

Along with annual six-week summer sessions, participants also meet on Saturdays during the regular school year for instruction and tutorials in reading, writing and math.

Saturday classes will begin in October and continue through the 2009-2010 school year. The program will continue for two more years, taking the participants through their senior year in high school.

Communities represented in the program include Cotulla, Crystal City, Del Rio, D’Hanis, Dilley, Eagle Pass, Natalia, Pearsall and Uvalde.

The Upward Bound Program office in Uvalde can be reached at 830-591-7372.

Linda Renovato also represented SWTJC at the national championships, serving as Galindo’s model in the competition. SWTJC Director of Cosmetology Barbara Compton accompanied the students to Kansas City.

"To place this high at the national level is quite an accomplishment," Compton said. "Jessica was fifth in overall points, but won first in oral presentation and second in nail art. She did a great job."

Although, she didn’t attend the event, another SWTJC cosmetology student was also recognized at the national championships.. According to Compton, all members of the Texas delegation wore t-shirts designed by SWTJC cosmetology student Toni Medina, whose design won first place at the 37^th Annual SkillsUSA State Championships held last spring in San Antonio.

Over 5,400 college and high school students representing every state in the nation took part in the recent national championships. Industry leaders representing over 1,100 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions recognized top students for their demonstrated excellence in 91 hands-on occupational and leadership contests, such as robotics, criminal justice, cosmetology, aviation maintenance and public speaking.

Southwest Texas Junior College cosmetology students claimed numerous honors at the 37^th Annual SkillsUSA State Championships held this past spring in San Antonio on the St. Philip’s College Southwest Campus.

SWTJC students receiving gold medals at state were: Toni Medina, t-shirt design and project; Jessica Galindo, nail care; and Kat McWilliams, nail art. Linda Renovato won a blue ribbon for her hairstyling project and Christian Coronado won a bronze medal for esthetics (facial and make-up).

Jessica Galindo, Linda Renovato, Kat McWilliams and Amanda Rosales all won silver medals in the cosmetology quiz bowl. Martha Blanco and Ramona Ranger also represented SWTJC at the competition.

Additional graduates from Dimmit, Maverick, Medina, Val Verde and Zavala counties were also be recognized.

Immediately prior to the regular board meeting, trustees held their second budget workshop of the month.

SWTJC Associate Dean of Finance Barrett Miller presented a revised budget proposal to the board, addressing the $1.9 million deficit in the original draft budget presented at a June 4 workshop.

The revised budget included $479,921 in operating cuts. Additional revenues would come from a $3 increase in tuition per semester hour ($295,000), a $2 increase in out-of-district fees ($123,710), an increase for dual credit courses from $129 to $175 per course ($270,000), an increase in dormitory fees from $1,550 to $1,800 per semester ($125,000), a new allied health fee of $250 per year ($35,000) and a four cent tax increase ($667,143).

Miller advised the board that the proposed tax rate increase would mean additional taxes of $23.98 on a home valued at $59,954, the district’s average home value. SWTJC’s taxing district includes Real, Uvalde and Zavala Counties.

Trustee Elena Lara proposed increasing the allied health fee to $300, which would bring in an additional $7,100.

Following a lengthy discussion, board president Rodolfo R. Flores polled the board on each of the revised budget proposals.

Board members voiced their unanimous approval for the proposed operating cuts and all the revenue-increasing proposals, except the tax rate.

Trustee Victor Lopez of Crystal City was the only trustee who voiced his support of the proposed four-cent tax hike.

"I think we need to give the administration what they need to provide our students with what they need," Lopez said. "I would hate to see our students start going somewhere else because we can’t provide the programs they want and need."

In the regular meeting, the board approved the proposed increases in fees and tuition, but tabled action on the draft operating budget until its July meeting. Lopez made the motion to table action on the budget.

Other action taken by the board included extending the college’s depository contract for one year with First State Bank of Uvalde and approving a lease with SWTJC Foundation, Inc., for the technical building on the SWTJC Eagle Pass campus.

The board also approved authorizing a request for proposal for the May 2010 SWTJC trustee election and adopted a resolution of support for a Project PATROL (Criminal Justice) grant application.

For more information on the program contact Gerdes at 591-7208.

According to SWTJC Dean of Admissions and Student Services Joe Barker, summer I enrollment is up slightly over a year ago.

"Last year we had 1,735 students in summer I, so we are still trending upward and that’s a good sign for the fall," Barker said. "With the economy the way it is, I think some of our prospective students opted to work this summer instead of taking classes."

Summer I classes started June 1 and will run through July 8.

"Our offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day, but we will be open for business at 8 a.m. Tuesday," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said. "We still have plenty of openings in most of our classes, but time is running out."

First day of summer classes at SWTJC is June 1. Students can register online or in person at the Flores Student Services Building weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Barker especially encourages students who are home for the summer, or those planning to go off to college for the first time in the fall, to check out the classes being offered this summer.

"If a student attending a four-year university can pick up six hours, or more, with us over the summer they can save hundreds of dollars on tuition alone," Barker said.

For more information about registration call 591-7225.

President Ismael Sosa, Jr., recommended to the board the names of four former instructors to be conferred the title of professor emeritus.

"These individuals all had distinguished careers at SWTJC and made outstanding contributions to the betterment of this institution," Sosa said. "The tenure committee unanimously recommends this group and I concur."

The board approved Sosa’s recommendation and Gilbert Bermea, Sr., Carolyn Lampe, Jeff Sanders and the late Toney Keeney are SWTJC’s first professors emeritus.

According to Sosa, beginning next year the tenure committee, comprised of the president, deans and faculty representatives, will consider naming one additional professor emeritus on an annual basis.

SWTJC Dean of Instructional Services and CFO Hector Gonzales also announced to the board the conferring of various titles to current faculty.

"Biology instructor Michele Crawford first approached me with the idea of awarding titles to instructors based on tenure, professional development and other criteria," Gonzales said. "We’ve been working on this for over a year and a half and this list represents the recommendation of the tenure committee."

Beginning in the fall semester, faculty members applied for the titles, provided documentation and then the tenure committee considered the applications.

Titles granted by the tenure committee for the 2008-2009 school year are as follows:

Professor – Manuel Alejandro, Arnulfo Alvarado, Barbara Blair, Dr. Wilford Box, Doug Braudaway, Les Brieden, Jan Burchfield, Dr. Mitchel Burchfield, Jill Coe, Barbara Compton, Richard Flores, Bea Garcia, Amanda Hadley, Albert Hernandez, Harry Lawrence, Yvonne Martinez, Anna Mendeke, Mary Beth Monroe, Jim Swink, Terri Tucker, Jim Williamson, Sharon Wilson and Dr. Pete Winn.

Professor (effective Aug. 1, 2009) – Charles Garabedian, Lasche Glasscock, Paul Kimble and Terrie Wilson.

Associate professor – Connie Buchanan, Michele Crawford, Claudia S. Kurek, Diane Underwood and Abel Ortiz.

Assistant professor – Richard Davis, Trish Driskill, Christine Foley, Karla Kosub, Ann McKinney, Rosalinda Ortiz, Claudia Sanderlin and Claudio Valenzuela.

Instructor – Rob Fowler.

In other action, the board adopted a resolution thanking HEB for their recent $5,000 donation to the college’s general scholarship fund, approved changes to the 2009-2011 college catalog and reviewed updated legal and local board policies.

The board appointed Tony Moreno as the college’s contact member on the Regional Water Pipeline Opposition Coalition. Board member Anita Shackelford was appointed to serve as alternate.

SWTJC Dean of Student Services Joe Barker gave a report to the board on the current status of student club budgets. Barker asked the board to give future consideration to establishing a student activities fee to help fund club budgets.

Following the ceremony, graduates and their families attended a reception hosted by the college in the Matthews Student Center on the SWTJC Uvalde main campus.

Prestigious award

Psychology professor Dr. Nancy Masterson

Masterson received a certificate of merit, a gold pin and an honorarium of $5,000.

"This is an extremely prestigious award and I can think of no one more deserving than Dr. Masterson," SWTJC Dean of Instructional Services Hector Gonzales said.

Gonzales and SWTJC Del Rio Associate Dean Dr. Mark Underwood, announced the award during the May 15 dean's breakfast in Uvalde.

The annual Dean’s Breakfast traditionally marks the end of the spring semester at SWTJC. Following the presentation of awards and service pins, a drawing was held for nearly 100 door prizes donated by Uvalde area businesses.

For the first time in school history, this year’s ceremony will be held at the Uvalde Honey Bowl, starting at 9:30 a.m.

"With the number of students participating in this year’s ceremony, we just simply wouldn’t fit in La Forge Hall," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said. "Moving to the Honey Bowl will make things more enjoyable for everyone."

According to Barker, family and friends of the graduates will be seated in the west side stands.

"There is some parking along the streets on the west and south side of the stadium and a large parking lot on the east side," Barker said. "Everyone is asked to enter the stadium at the west (home) side gate."

Friends and family are not allowed on the field or track until after the ceremony is over.

"We will have a photographer on hand taking photos of the graduates as they receive their diplomas," Barker said. "After the ceremony is over everyone is welcome to come on the field and take additional photos."

Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to a reception in the Matthews Student Center on the SWTJC Uvalde campus.

District Attorney Daniel Kindred will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Raised on his family’s Uvalde County ranch, near Utopia, Kindred was elected as district attorney for the 38^th Judicial District of Texas in November of 2008.

Kindred began a career in law enforcement in 1987 upon graduation from the Middle Rio Grande Law Enforcement Academy at SWTJC.

He continued his education at SWTJC, earning 66 hours before transferring to the University of Texas in San Antonio where in 1995 he earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

In 1997, he entered law school at Texas Southern University and graduated in 1999 with a juris doctor degree.

"We are very pleased that Daniel accepted our invitation this year," SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., said. "It is always nice to have someone who started at SWTJC, and then went on to achieve great things, speak to our graduates."

The SWTJC Uvalde Catholic Club received

Matthew Luna of Batesville, Mauro Avila of Uvalde and Thelma Martinez of Crystal City received awards at the archdiocese’s 2009 Annual Awards Banquet held May 1 in San Antonio.

Luna was selected by a committee for the De Corazon a Corazon award given annually to a student who has shown outstanding leadership in campus ministry at one of the ten colleges and universities represented in the archdiocese.

"This is a tremendous honor for Matthew and for our club," SWTJC Catholic Club advisor Imelda Ramirez said. "I applaud him on his faithful and dedicated service to Catholic ministry."

According to Ramirez, this is the sixth time in the last 20 years an SWTJC student has been selected for the award which is based upon John Henry Cardinal Newman’s motto of "heart speaks to heart." Cardinal Newman is the patron of Catholic campus ministry.

SWTJC Uvalde students Avila and Martinez were also recognized at the banquet as winners of Outstanding Newmanite Awards. These awards are presented to top members in each catholic club represented in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

In addition to SWTJC, colleges and universities represented include Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, Schreiner University, Trinity University, Texas Lutheran University and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

First class to graduate

"There were plenty of ups and downs over the last two and a half years," program director Roy Luevano said. "This has been one of the most challenging and, at the same time, satisfying experiences in my professional career."

A total of 21 graduates will receive their Associate of Applied Science Degree in radiologic technology at the upcoming commencement ceremony.

Graduates include Maria I. Cannon, Holly Carrasco, Jennifer Carter, Irene S. Christopher, Kimberly Cruz, Noemi Delgado, Isaac Faz, Malinda Flores, Jason J. Garcia, Jesus Garza and Alyssa Lopez.

Also, Samuel Nintai, Adriana M. Padilla, Marissa F. Perez, Cristina Ramirez, Oscar Roman, Edgar Sanchez, John Terrazas, Allen Tinker, Laura E. Tobias and Jose Trevino.

Along with their diplomas, graduates will receive a one-year limited Medical Radiologic Technologist license from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). Graduating students will also be qualified to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam to receive their permanent license.

"We will continue working with these graduates this summer and use practice exams to determine their readiness before signing off on their taking the ARRT exam," Luevano said. The state requires a minimum 75% first-time pass rate on the licensing exam to maintain full accreditation.

According to Luevano, he began working full-time with the SWTJC radiologic technology program during the spring 2007 semester and, after gaining program approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, accepted 24 students into the first class on Aug. 27, 2007.

"It has been an interesting and challenging experience for both the students and faculty," Luevano said. "We are all looking forward to the graduation ceremony."

Finding qualified instructors was one of the biggest hurdles Luevano had to overcome in starting up the new program.

"It was pretty much a one-man show for the first year," Luevano said. "Thankfully, we finally found and hired two outstanding instructors in Parksy Peters, RT(R)(BD)ARRT, and Bonnie S. Clinebell, M.S., RT(R)(BD)ARRT."

Administrative assistant Mary Ann Towne, completes the current radiologic technology program staff.

Luevano also credits the support of area health care officials and medical facilities with getting the program off the ground.

"The support of the health care community all across the region has been outstanding and without their providing clinical opportunities for our students we never would have graduated anyone," Luevano said. "We have also had the support of the college administration and board of trustees from the very beginning and I commend them for recognizing the need for this program and for their continued encouragement."

Clinical opportunities have been made available in Uvalde, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Carrizo Springs, Pearsall and Hondo, to students in the SWTJC program.

Luevano and his staff are currently evaluating applications for a new class which is scheduled to begin in the fall.

"We will accept 21 students into the fall 2009 class and right now we have just over 40 applicants," Luevano said. "I believe interest in the program remains high because the overall job outlook in the radiologic technology field is good across the state and nation and looks good for the foreseeable future."

As to his personal future, Luevano plans to retire effective Aug. 31.

"I had an understanding with the administration that I would get the program started, finish the first class and then hand the reins over to someone else," Luevano said. "I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I’m ready to do some fishing and hunting and visiting with grandchildren."

Luevano will retire with nearly 40 years experience in the radiologic technology field. A 1960 graduate of Uvalde High School, he received his initial training as a radiologic technologist in the U.S. Air Force.

He went on to receive and Associate of Applied Science Degree in radiologic technology from St. Philip’s College in San Antonio and his Bachelor’s Degree in health administration from Texas State University in San Marcos.

"The show had its gallery night opening on Friday, May 1, and it was well attended," SWTJC art instructor Abel Ortiz said. "They did an excellent job hanging the art. It is very professionally displayed."

According to Ortiz, a total of 23 pieces of artwork by ten SWTJC students is featured in the show which is entitled: "Establishing a Foundation in Art."

Current students in the show include Cecilia M. Trevino, Melissa Roman, Deirdre Noonan and Leilani McClure.

Past students whose artwork is displayed include P.J. Daniels, Mario Gallegos, Ana Martinez, Chris McDonald, Enrique Roman and Angelica Trevino.

"This is great experience for our students and, for everyone except Chris McDonald, this is the first time they have had their art in a show," Ortiz said.

The Adrian J. Falcon Art Gallery is located in the historic Glen-Dowe House on 301 E. Garfield. It is one of the oldest homes in Del Rio.

Ortiz said he hopes this year’s show will become a regular event.

"This is the first time they have done a group show, but I am talking with the owners about trying to schedule a show at least every two years," Ortiz said.

A slide show of art featured in the show is available on the gallery’s web site.

According to Dean of Admissions and Student Services Joe Barker, the college will implement a variety of measures to inform students and staff of precautions they can take to reduce their exposure.

"Basic hygiene – washing your hands frequently, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, not touching your eyes nose or mouth – these are the kinds of things we can all do to protect against any type of flu, including swine flu," Barker said.

Barker, dean of instructional services Hector Gonzales, school health center director Imelda Ramirez, R.N., and campus chief of police Robert Doucet, all participated in a conference call on April 27 hosted by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

"It is reassuring to know that health officials at the state, national and international level are really on top of this and closely monitoring the situation," Barker said. "The DSHS will host daily conference calls with updates on the situation and we will be taking part every day."

As far as local measures, Barker said flyers will be posted throughout the campus listing symptoms of swine flu and precautions to take to help prevent contracting or spreading the flu.

"We also met with our dorm students and went over the preventative tips with them," Barker said. "We have also advised our students from Mexico against going home for the next several days until more is known about the situation." There are 43 Mexican nationals attending classes at SWTJC Uvalde.

Finally, Barker encourages students, faculty and staff to remain home and seek medical attention if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.

"If the faculty sees or hears of any student who is experiencing symptoms, they should have them immediately go to our health center and see our school nurse," Barker said.

Student guide to swine flu
Stop the spread of flu

For more information click here

State winners

"Once again our students showed their talent in competition with their peers from across the state," Barbara Compton, SWTJC cosmetology director, said. "I’m proud of how well our students performed."

SWTJC students receiving gold medals include: Toni Medina, t-shirt design and project; Jessica Galindo, nail care; and Kat McWilliams, nail art. Linda Renovato won a blue ribbon for her hairstyling project and Christian Coronado won a bronze medal for esthetics (facial and make-up).

Jessica Galindo, Linda Renovato, Kat McWilliams and Amanda Rosales all won silver medals in the cosmetology quiz bowl. Martha Blanco and Ramona Ranger also represented SWTJC at the competition.

The three-day event, which showcased some of the best trade, technical and skilled service (including allied health) students in Texas, was held on the St. Philip’s College Southwest Campus.

SWTJC’s Jessica Galindo, along with nail model Linda Renovato, will now advance to compete in the National SkillsUSA Championships slated June 21-26 in Kansas City, MO.

T-shirts featuring the gold medal design of SWTJC’s Toni Medina, will be worn by the entire Texas delegation at the upcoming national championships.

"If you are interested in art and want to get a glimpse of some of the artistic talent in our area, I encourage you to take the time to come see this display," SWTJC Public Information Officer Willie Edwards said.

According to Edwards all entries in the contest from kindergarten through seasoned (over 60), will be on display from now through April 30. The art is available for viewing Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Friday from 8 to 3 p.m.

"We will leave the display up until after the annual awards ceremony on April 30," Edwards said.

At the awards ceremony, hundreds of trophies and medals will be presented the top four entries in a variety of age groups and categories. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. and will last approximately an hour and a half.

"It’s a fun night," Edwards said. "The college is committed to promoting the creative arts and this contest gives us a chance to encourage area artists of all ages."

A list of winners in this year’s contest is listed on the SWTJC web site at www.swtjc.edu. Letters were mailed to winning entrants last week.

"Sometimes we don’t have a good address for students who enter the contest, so I especially encourage teachers who entered their students’ work to check the web site to see if their names are listed," Edwards said.

Anyone with questions about the contest or awards program should contact Edwards at 591-7222.

            

Following the ceremony, the college will host a reception for graduates and their guests in the Matthews Student Center on the SWTJC Uvalde campus.

"The Regional Cancer Care Treatment Center is coming down the homestretch in its efforts to reach its goal of $5 million in grants and donations by the end of the year," Sosa said. "I’m asking our SWTJC family to support this extremely worthwhile project by making a donation before June 1."

According to Sosa, a note requesting that SWTJC employees give thoughtful consideration to supporting the fund-raising effort will be included with April and May paychecks.

"There is not a one of us at this institution who has not been affected by cancer and the hardships of having to travel back and forth to San Antonio for radiation treatment," Sosa said. "The new cancer care center will be a tremendous benefit to our region for as long as our families and friends have to fight against this terrible disease."

President Sosa and the SWTJC administration have set a goal of $10,000 for the college’s fund-raising effort in support of the new center.

Donations can be made at SWTJC business offices in Uvalde, Crystal City, Del Rio and Eagle Pass. Checks should be made payable to Regional Cancer Care Medical Center.

In addition, Aerospace Scholars Program participants will tour the Johnson Space Center and attend briefings with NASA engineers, scientists and astronauts.

Upward Bound workshop

Parents of Upward Bound participants listen

According to program director Albert Hernandez, the first Administration & Parents Team (APT) workshop was a "resounding success."

"From the comments I heard at the end of the day, I’d say the parents who attended all felt they benefited greatly from the workshop," Hernandez said. "I think one parent summed up the feelings of everyone when he said: ‘We need programs like this. The more we get educated the more we can help our children.’"

Approximately 100 parents attended the workshop entitled: "Helping students/parents help themselves."

Parents were divided into three groups and attended three different presentations. Presenters included Hernandez, Diana Perez Garcia and Julie Garcia.

Hernandez spoke to parents about future program plans and expectations and Julie Garcia, student support services staff member, gave a hands-on program on accessing the SWTJC web page and student/parent information.

Diana Perez Garcia, director of the SWTJC Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), gave a presentation entitled: "How to stay involved and not be a pest!"

"Diana and Julie did a great job and I can’t thank them enough for their help," Hernandez said.

Following the morning presentations, lunch was served in the SWTJC cafeteria.

An additional APT workshop is scheduled on May 23 at the SWTJC Uvalde campus.

Students selected for the Upward Bound Program attend 14 Saturday classes during the regular school year and a six-week summer session. Summer classes will begin on June 8 and end July 16.

During the summer session, students live in SWTJC dorms and attend daily reading, writing and math classes on Monday through Thursday. Physical education classes are also held each evening.

In addition to classes, students also take several weekend "cultural" field trips during the summer.

A total of 55 students, representing 11 area communities, are participating in the 2009 Upward Bound Program.

Uvalde students currently enrolled in the Upward Bound Program are Maria C. Rodriguez, Justin Rangel, Steven Guedea, Roberto Martinez, Juan Martinez III, Aracely Vasquez, Felix Sonora, Jr., Pedro Sevilla, Betel Velasquez, Joe Flores, Christopher Cruz, Misty Ramos and Jordan Rodriguez.

Other communities represented in the program are Carrizo Springs, Cotulla, Crystal City, Del Rio, D’Hanis, Dilley, Eagle Pass, Hondo, Natalia and Pearsall.

SGA group in Austin

Representatives from the SWTJC Uvalde

Member colleges are divided into six regional districts drawn at the county level. These regions meet at fall and annual conventions to coordinate activities and to help plan the state convention.

SWTJC is part of Region 6.

Announcement of the awards came during the Texas Regional Convention held March 5-8 in Waco.

Chapter members attending the convention were Joseph Mbongo, Samuel Nintai, Andre Cruz, Armando Castaneda, Issac Faz and Leilani McClure. They were accompanied by advisor Barbara Blair.

Norma Limones was named to the Texas Hall of Honor and the District V Hall of Honor for members. Other Eta Beta chapter members named to the district hall of honor were Ana Salazar, Lorenzo Martinez, Joseph Mbongo and Leilani McClure.

According to chapter advisor Blair, top chapter awards are based on points received on Hallmark entries submitted to Phi Theta Kappa International headquarters in Jackson, MS. Entries detail chapter activities in scholarship, leadership and service.

SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker outlined the new plan during the Thursday, Mar. 12, meeting of the college board of trustees.

"We have simply outgrown the capacity of La Forge Hall," Barker said. "With the addition of an extra 75 to 100 graduates from new and expanded allied health care programs, we have to find a larger venue."

Plans call for the ceremony to be held at 9:30 a.m. Immediately following, students and their guests will be hosted at a reception in the Matthews Student Center on the SWTJC Uvalde campus.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in La Forge Hall. All graduates will be issued two bad-weather tickets. Only ticketholders will be admitted to La Forge Hall.

Additional family and friends will be able to view the ceremony in the Tate Auditorium and Matthews Student Center.

Barker told the board he would report back with final confirmation of the new plan at the April board meeting.

In other action, board members voted to modify the college’s existing tobacco use policy. According to the modification, the use of tobacco on campus will still be permitted, but only in outdoor areas at least 50 feet away from the entrance, door or window of a college district facility.

Dean of Instructional Services Hector Gonzales told the board that the policy modification was being recommended by the Administrative Council.

"There doesn’t seem to be consensus among faculty or students on exactly what the policy should be," Gonzales said. "It seems to be fairly evenly split with about a third for keeping the policy the same, a third for having designated areas of some type and a third for a tobacco free campus."

After discussing the matter, the consensus of the board was to modify the policy as recommended and then begin considering a move to a tobacco free college over the next couple of years.

Other board action included the extension of dean’s contracts through the year 2012, the employment of associate deans, division chairs, directors and teaching and non-teaching faculty.

Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Dr. Blaine Bennett updated the board on the Achieving the Dream Program.

Dr. Bennett and several board members will be attending the 2009 Achieving the Dream Board of Trustees Institute on March 26-28 in Santa Fe.

Approximately 700 pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students from Dalton Elementary, along with students from the Kirchner and Powers Child Development Center at SWTJC, enjoyed the afternoon performance Tuesday at the college’s rodeo arena.

"It was great fun for our students," SWTJC rodeo coach Roy Angermiller said. "In fact, if this is what it takes to get a little rain around here we might just do it every day."

The event began with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Steers and calves used in the performance were paraded in front of the packed grandstands as Angermiller gave a brief history on the evolution of rodeo as a sport.

Students were then treated to calf roping, breakaway roping, bull riding, steer roping and barrel racing demonstrations by the members of the SWTJC men’s and women’s teams.

Coach Angermiller announced the names of participants and gave a brief description of each event as it unfolded, while encouraging the kids to cheer loudly for each performer.

"This event has become one of the highlights of the year for our students and we are very thankful for all the hard work coach Angermiller and his team put in to make this event possible," Dalton principal Janice Estrada said. "Our students really enjoy dressing up in their best western gear and going to the rodeo. For many, it’s their first time to see a rodeo and horses and livestock in person. "

Estrada also thanked her faculty and staff for their work in getting the students to and from the event.

"It’s no easy task getting so many youngsters moved from one place to another in an orderly fashion," Estrada said. "Our teachers and staff did a great job and our students were very well behaved."

Following the performance, rodeo team members visited with students as they loaded buses for the return to Dalton.

According to library chair Karen Baen, IDs are needed to use library computers, to access course reserve materials, to access databases when doing research off-campus and to request books online from the library catalog.

"The truth of the matter is that you are very limited as to what you can do and get done in the library without an updated ID," Baen said.

If you have never had an ID, or if you need to replace a lost ID students must first get a receipt for payment of classes from the Business Office.

The next step is to take the receipt to the library, show it to the library staff and fill out an ID form. There is no charge for a new ID, but students will be required to pay $5.25 to replace a lost ID.

Full and part-time faculty and staff must have their Colleague number (available from the Business Office) to have an ID made.

According to new academy director Lloyd Dragoo, prospective academy participants should contact his office as soon as possible if they are interested in the class.

"By offering a night class, we hope to make the academy available to folks who are interested in the training, but whose schedules prevent them from attending our traditional day class," Dragoo said. "Interest in the class has been good so prospective cadets should contact us as soon as possible to get started on the registration process."

Classes will meet on Monday through Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 10, 2010. Cost of the training is $2,055.

"Qualifying students may be eligible for a variety of financial aid, student loans and other funding options available to SWTJC students," Dragoo said.

The basic peace officer training consists of 700 hours of instruction, both "hands on" as well as classroom, covering all the requirements of the State of Texas for the licensing of a peace officer.

According to Dragoo, approximately 80% of the course involves classroom instruction on laws and procedures. The remaining 20% of the class is hands-on training in self defense, firearms and professional police driving.

Prospective students must submit a current physical and undergo a drug screening before being considered for the academy.

Since taking over the academy this fall, Dragoo notes that all 20 students who completed the training in Uvalde and Eagle Pass passed the state licensing exam on their first try, giving the academy a 100% pass rate.

"We demand a lot of our students, but my philosophy is to do everything possible to insure they have all the knowledge needed to pass the state exam and be ready to begin their careers," Dragoo said.

To register for the class, or for more information, contact academy administrative assistant Pat Olivarez at 830-591-4158, or Dragoo at 830-591-7314.

Co-sponsored by the SWTJC Health Clinic and Student Activities Department, the event will be held in the Matthews Student Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A variety of health care providers and other agencies will be on hand to present information on health issues and to emphasize safety and responsibility regarding alcohol consumption.

Participants in the health fair will include Uvalde Emergency Medical Services, Uvalde Police Department, Our Health/Nuestro Centro De Salud, Client Representatives, Texas Department of Public Safety, Uvalde Fire Department, Wellness Works Wonders, South Texas Rural Health and Mrs. G.V. Gaitonde, nutrition.

Other participants will be South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, South Texas Rural Health, Rushing Estes Knowles, AgriLife Extension, Southwest Family Life Center, South Texas Health Steps Support Services, Uvalde County Health Department, Department of Transportation, Hacienda Salvage & Metal and the SWTJC Criminal Justice Program.

Representatives of Uvalde Memorial Hospital, Vida y Salud Health Systems of Crystal City, United Medical Centers and Camino Real MHMR, both of Eagle Pass, will also be in attendance.

"There will be some free screenings and lots of free information available," SWTJC Health Clinic Director Imelda Ramirez, R.N., said. "We encourage students, faculty and staff to attend."

In addition, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center mobile unit will be on campus throughout the day conducting a blood drive.

"We’ve set a goal of 50 pints for the blood drive, so please take time to donate if you can," Ramirez said.

The Safe & Sober Campaign/Health Fair is held annually at SWTJC the week prior to the start of Spring Break. The event is open to the public.

For more information on Thursday’s event contact Margot Mata at 591-7223.

"Ipods, DVD players and textbook vouchers will all be handed out as prizes," Gerdes said. For more information contact Gerdes at 591-7208, or Pat Perez at 591-4173.

Master gardener Jim Reed of Leakey will teach the class on Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the SWTJC Uvalde campus. An additional class session will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon.

The class, Gardening for Fun & Profit, will last eight weeks and will use the textbook: "Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew. The "square foot" or raised-bed method uses either a 4 x 4 or 4 x 8 area, divided into individual squares for various plants.

According to SWTJC Director of Curriculum Dick Whipple, the idea is to maximize the use of space while minimizing the amount of work.

"Less space, less work, more production, that’s the idea and it works," Whipple said. "I’ve been growing lettuce using this system and I can’t believe how much I’ve been producing in a very small area."

Whipple said easier maintenance, especially when it comes to weeds, is another of the big advantages of Bartholomew’s system.

Cost of the upcoming class is $100 plus the cost of the textbook. Class size will be limited to 20 students. Registration deadline is March 2.

For more information, or to register for the class, call the college’s workforce training and development office at 591-4125.

Radiologic technology
instructor elected
to state office

Roy Luevano, director of the SWTJC Radiologic Technology Program, nominated Peters for the office.

"Parksy is a bundle of energy and she is dedicated to the program," Luevano said. "This will be a good opportunity for her and it will give our program some exposure on the state level."

Peters will be inducted to her new post during the society’s annual meeting on March 5-7 at San Antonio’s Hilton Resort & Spa.

"I look forward to this new challenge and I am especially excited about my duties as student affairs chairperson," Peters said.

With over 20 years in the radiologic technology field, Peters was hired last summer as an instructor at SWTJC. Prior to coming to Uvalde, she served as senior technologist and clinical preceptor at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for 12 years.

Peters holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology and is nearing completion of her Bachelor’s Degree from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls.

"When I graduated from Kilgore College, no one offered a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology," Peters said. "I’ve been working on my bachelor’s through online classes for several years and hope to finish up this summer."

Ceremonies will be held in the Tate Auditorium on the  starting at 7 p.m.

To earn membership in Phi Theta Kappa, students must have completed at least 12 semester hours with at least a 3.5 GPA. Students must also be currently enrolled in at least six hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain members in good standing.

A reception for inductees and their families will be held immediately following the ceremony in the courtyard of the Tate Building.

SWTJC history instructor Barbara Blair is the Eta Beta Chapter adviser.

"I always like to get reminders, so I’m reminding everyone that the deadline for literary entries in our annual contest is next Monday (Feb. 23)," SWTJC public information officer Willie Edwards said. "Procrastinators beware, the clock is ticking more loudly by the minute."

Official contest entry forms and rules are available in Uvalde at the SWTJC library and at the El Progreso Library. Entrants may also download entry forms by visiting the college’s web site. Go to www.swtjc.net and look for the Creative Arts Contest link.

Contestants may also request entry forms by e-mailing Willie Edwards at public.info@swtjc.cc.tx.us or by calling 830-591-7222.

According to Edwards, the contest is open to everyone from kindergarten up.

"There seems to be some confusion this year about student entries," Edwards said. "I’ve had a couple of calls from parents asking if they can submit their child’s work without going through their school. The answer is yes."

Edwards added that many teachers in public and private schools often submit entries of their students’ best work, but individual entries are also accepted.

Literary categories include short story, poetry and essay. Age groups for the contest are: kindergarten and first grade, grades 2-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-8, grades 9-10, grades 11-12, college, community and seasoned (age 60 and over).

In addition to the literary portion of the contest, entries are also accepted in a variety of visual arts categories. Deadline for submitting visual arts entries is March 13.

Visual art categories, for all age groups, include: charcoal, drawing with color, painting, pencil, pen and ink, scratchboard and computer-generated graphics. Photography and video production are also included in the contest for grades seven and up.

A new mixed media category is being added this year in visual arts for college, community and seasoned divisions.

According to Edwards, cash prizes, trophies and medals will be awarded in the annual event which attracts thousands of art, photography and writing entries from across the region.

All winning entries in the contest will be recognized and presented trophies/medals during the SWTJC Creative Arts Awards’ Ceremony on April 23, 2009, in Uvalde.

According to SWTJC Chief of Police Robert Doucet’s official report, the Uvalde EMS was dispatched to the scene at 4:49 after a call to 911.

Doucet said his investigation of the accident revealed that Mario and Joyce Torres of Uvalde were at the center to pick up two of their children, a two-year-old female and a male infant.

"They parked between the infant care building and child care building. The father went to pick up the two-year-old and the mother went in to pick up the infant," Doucet said.

The couple had their seven-year-old daughter with them, but she had undergone surgery recently and was left in the vehicle, Doucet said.

"After picking up the two-year-old, the father placed her in the front passenger seat next to the seven-year-old and then went into the infant care building to assist his wife," Doucet said. "When he returned outside a few moments later the truck was not where he parked it but was about 60 feet to the left of the building. The seven-year-old came toward her father crying from around the front driver’s side of the truck."

The truck had come to rest against a guardrail/wood fence surrounding a water tank. Torres picked up the seven-year-old, carried her inside and 911 was called.

According to Doucet, Torres said he turned the truck off when he parked, but left the keys inside.

After carrying the seven-year-old inside, Torres went back to the truck to get the two-year-old who was uninjured. Torres said the truck was running and in reverse, so it was put in park and turned off.

"Apparently the seven-year-old started the vehicle and placed the shifter in reverse. As it backed up slowly and turned, she apparently opened the driver’s door and jumped or fell out," Doucet said.

A witness said she was in the parking lot and saw the truck going backwards. She said she then saw the little girl fall out the driver’s door and land face down. She also said she thought the girl was struck by the left front tire after she fell out.

The victim never lost consciousness and did not appear to have any severe injuries, Doucet said, but was transported to the Sabinal helipad and air-lifted to San Antonio. Family members reported on Thursday morning that the child did not have any fractures or serious injuries, but was being kept for observation.

"All things considered, I think everyone involved was extremely lucky," Doucet said. "Things could have been much, much worse."

According to tournament coordinator Willie Edwards, SWTJC public information officer, all proceeds from the event will benefit the SWTJC Cowgirls basketball team.

"This is a great group of young women and they need our support," Edwards said. "They get some help from the college, but they need to raise additional funds to keep the program going."

Entry fee for the Florida Scramble is $40 per player, which includes green fees for players who are not members of the Uvalde Golf Association.

Play will begin at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start. A sign-up sheet will be located in the pro shop.

Merchandise certificates will be awarded the top three teams and there will also be prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin.

"We will also have a few surprise prizes just to make things a bit more interesting," Edwards said. "It promises to be a great time and I can think of no better way to celebrate the end of February."

Players can sign up an entire team or sign up as individuals and be assigned to a team by the tournament organizers.

Following play, a barbecue chicken plate lunch will be served all tourney participants at the course.

Members of the Cowgirls team will be selling tickets for barbecue plates in conjunction with the tournament. Barbecue tickets are $5 each.

To sign up for the tournament, contact the local pro shop (278-6155) or Edwards at 591-7222 (work) or 278-1557 (home).

For barbecue tickets contact coach Richard Flores at 591-7209.

According to Director of Student Recruitment Elsa De Hoyos, a total of 10 high schools from the college’s 11-county service area will be attending the event.

Registration will be from 8:30 to 9 a.m. in the La Forge Hall Gym. College academic and technical programs will have information tables in the gym, with information for visiting students, from 8:30 to 9:30.

President Ismael Sosa is scheduled to give a welcome at 9:15 a.m. and then SWTJC Technical Education Director Johnny Guzman will announce door prizes and direct students to various breakout sessions.

The Tate Auditorium will be the site of a breakout session presented by Tech Prep and Student Activities, while the financial aid office will conduct its session in the Matthew’s Student Center Bluebonnet Room.

A third breakout session on admissions, testing and scholarships, will be held in the Matthew’s Student Center Ballroom.

Following the breakout sessions, visiting seniors will have the option of touring the campus or visiting one of the college’s technical programs.

SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker will conduct a counselor’s workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the student center conference rooms.

A complimentary pizza lunch, door prizes and special entertainment will conclude the College Day activities in the fountain area behind the administration building from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Cody Barker, student activities director at SWTJC Del Rio, and Ismael Martinez, video technician at SWTJC Uvalde, also accompanied the group.

Most all financial aid available, grants, loans and scholarships, requires students to first file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

"Every year, Texas students receive over $1 billion in a variety of financial assistance and many of our students can qualify," SWTJC Financial Aid Director Ana Almaraz said. "The key is to start early and get those applications on file."

According to Almaraz, her office will be conducting financial aid workshops at high schools across the area over the next two months.

"We will be working with high school counselors to set up times so we can visit as many of the 21 high schools in our service area as possible," Almaraz said. Students and parents should check with the high school counseling office for workshop dates and times.

In the meantime, Almaraz urges students and their parents to start the process on their own by filing their FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

Other helpful sites for students and parents are www.FastWeb.com for information about a wide range of scholarships and www.collegefortexans.com for information about Texas grants and loan programs.

"Given the recent news on the tightening of credit across the U.S., I’m afraid there’s a feeling that you can’t pay for college in these tough economic times," Almaraz said. "You can, and it all starts with the FAFSA. Investing an hour or two to complete this free application is certainly worth the effort."

Sallie Mae, the nation’s largest student lender suggests a three-step approach in seeking financial assistance for college. First, collect as much free money as possible with grants and scholarships, then supplement with income, savings or interest-free tuition payment plans. Second, use federal loans and third, explore private loans.

According to a recent Sallie Mae/Gallup survey, grants and scholarships, which don’t have to be paid back, paid an average of 15 percent of a family’s college bill. Student borrowing accounted for 23 percent, parent borrowing made up 16 percent and parents’ income and savings made up 32 percent, the survey showed.

If students and parents run in to problems filing their FAFSA online, Almaraz said her office will be glad to answer questions about the application.

"Just give us a call and we will be glad to try and help," Almaraz said. Call 591-7343.

"We are very pleased with our spring enrollment," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said. "We have seen a steady decrease in spring enrollment over the past three years and we certainly turned that around in 2009."

Barker credits a team effort with creating increases in both fall and spring enrollment.

"We had an aggressive recruiting effort in the fall and spring that involved our recruiting office, financial aid, admissions, just about everyone on campus," Barker said. "Everyone did a great job and I can’t thank them enough."

A partial breakdown of enrollment by campus shows Uvalde with 1,344, Eagle Pass with 1,518 and Del Rio with 1,089.

Other top enrollment sites were Crystal City with 193 and Pearsall with 93. The Hondo Torres Unit has 89 students registered this spring, while Dilley’s Briscoe Unit has 119 students taking classes.

The remainder of spring enrollment is primarily dual credit students from across the college’s 11-county service area.

The ceremony will be held starting at 10 a.m. in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom.

Southwest Texas Junior College Adult Basic Education (ABE) Director Josue "George" Garza will be master of ceremony at the event which recognizes students who have passed their General Educational Development (GED) test.

Enrique Montalvo, federal program director for the Eagle Pass Independent School District, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming ceremony.

Graduates will be on hand from various area communities including Carrizo Springs, Crystal City, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Hondo and Uvalde.

SWTJC President Dr. Ismael Sosa, Jr., and SWTJC Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Dr. Blaine Bennett, will present certificates of completion to the graduates.

The ABE program at Southwest Texas Junior College services a large region which includes Dimmit, Edwards, Kinney, Maverick, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde and Zavala counties.

"I am encouraged by our numbers," Barker said. "We usually have a sizeable drop from fall to spring, but that doesn’t seem to be the case this year."

According to Barker, if tradition holds, upwards of 300 students will be lost due to payment issues between now and the 12^th class day, the official enrollment reporting time.

"Our staff will be working hard over the next couple of weeks making courtesy calls to all students who still have balances with the business office," Barker said. "But even if we lose 300 students we will still be around 4,900 for the semester and that’s right where we were in the fall."

Official fall 2008 enrollment was 4,978. Spring enrollment a year ago was 4,640.

With the extension, Sosa’s contract now runs through July 2012. Sosa had been president of the college since 1999.

The board tabled action on a new sick leave bank policy to provide additional paid sick leave days to members of the bank, in the event of a serious health condition of the employee or the employee’s immediate family.

SWTJC Chief Financial Officer and Dean of Instructional Services Hector Gonzales told the board that the plan up for consideration had been designed after similar plans in existence at other colleges and universities.

Gonzales read the plan to the board, explaining that employees enrolling in the plan must contribute a minimum of eight hours of local sick leave at the beginning of the academic year. Employees may contribute up to a maximum of 24 hours annually to the sick leave bank.

After Gonzales read the plan, board members asked faculty members in attendance for their comments on the plan. New faculty association president Jeff Pomeroy asked the board for additional time to give faculty a chance to evaluate the new plan.

"From what I’ve heard tonight it sounds like a good plan, but this is the first time we’ve really had a chance to hear a final plan and I think it would be a good idea to give us some time to make sure all the faculty has had time to consider it," Pomeroy said.

The board agreed to table action on the plan until its February meeting.

In other business, the board approved the purchase of eight new automobiles for its existing transportation fleet.

Associate dean of finance Barrett Miller explained that the number of vehicles to be purchased represents the average number of vehicles the college rents on a daily basis to meet the transportation needs of faculty and staff traveling to outlying campuses.

The board approved the purchase of seven 2009 Chevy Impalas and one 2009 Ford Taurus. The Taurus will be the president’s new vehicle.

According to director of student services Melissa De Leon, students should check in at 8:30 a.m.

"All students need to bring is their schedule, a notebook and something to write with," De Leon said. "The class is mandatory so everyone enrolled in Orientation 0100 should attend."

Students will receive their ID login and password to access the college’s computer network. In addition, students will learn how to use WebAdvisor and the SWTJC Portal.

The new student orientation syllabus will also be discussed, along with requirements to successfully complete the required class.

If you have question’s about the upcoming session, call 591-7271.

Michael Daggs, co-founder of Tutt-Daggs Creative Performance Interactive, will be the featured speaker starting a 10 a.m. in the Tate Auditorium.

"We had Michael for staff development presentation and everyone thought he would be great for our general faculty meeting," SWTJC Professional Development Director Jill Coe said. "With the passion and energy he brings to his message, I think he will do a great job starting off a new semester."

Additional speakers and presenters, on a variety of topics, will also offer SWTJC faculty information and training opportunities on Wednesday and Thursday.

Registration for SWTJC spring classes is scheduled this week on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in the new Flores Student Services Building.

Counselors and advisors will be on hand to register students on those days from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Late registration will be held at all SWTJC campuses on Jan. 19 and 20. A late registration fee will be charged.

For more information on registration call 591-7255.

According to SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker, students can register online from now through Jan. 18.

"Only students who are either TSI exempt or TSI complete are eligible to register online," Barker said. "All others must register in person."

In Uvalde, on-site registration will be held Jan. 12, 14 and 15, in the Flores Student Services Building, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

"We request that students come in before those dates to fill out their application or readmission form and get issued a time permit for registration," Barker said. "By issuing time permits we believe we can save time and keep students from having to wait in line to register."

This is the first time in several semesters that the college has set aside specific days for registration.

"Our reason for doing this is twofold," Barker said. "First, we think this will make the registration process smoother in Uvalde and second, it frees up our staff to help with registration at SWTJC campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Crystal City."

On-site registration is set Jan. 6 in Del Rio, Jan. 7 in Eagle Pass and Jan. 8 in Crystal City

Late registration will be held at all campuses on Jan. 19 and 20, but a late fee will be charged to all students who register late.

All visual arts entries in the contest will also be displayed in the Matthew’s Student Center Ballroom from April 13 through the night of the awards ceremony.

Members of the fall 2008 graduating class include: Marco Aviles, Erik Cabrera, Jose Fernandez, Leo Flores, Juan M. Hernandez, Jr., Andy Lowe, Johathan Mendiola, Jacob Pargas and Melissa Rodriguez.

New academy coordinator Lloyd Dragoo welcomed the crowd of family and friends on hand for the graduation ceremony and thanked them for their support of the new graduates.

"For four months these graduates have been putting in 40-plus hours a week to succeed in this academy," Dragoo said. "Many of them did it while holding down full-time jobs, but none of them could have done it without your support, and for that I thank you."

Dragoo also commended all the graduates for successfully passing the state licensing exam for basic peace officers.

"I talked to the people at the state testing center in San Antonio and they told me the average passing score at their site is usually in the 75 to 77 range," Dragoo said. "These graduates all passed and their average score was 90. They have set a high mark for future academies."

SWTJC Dean of Institutional Advancement and Technology Dr. Blaine Bennett also congratulated the graduates.

"We are very proud of your success and hope you enjoyed the experiences you shared while you were a part of our college community," Bennett said. "In the days to come you will have many titles and be called many things, some of which won’t be flattering. Above all else, I hope you will always hold fast to the title of peace officer."

Uvalde County Sheriff-elect Charlie Mendeke also congratulated the graduating class and thanked SWTJC for its continuing efforts in law enforcement training.

"You have done a wonderful job, but your work is just beginning," Mendeke said. "You have a serious duty ahead of you and I encourage you to always continue your training and keep up with all the technological changes you encounter.

"I also want to thank Southwest Texas Junior College for giving me my start in 1984 and I hope the college will continue to train law enforcement personnel for many years to come."

Leo Flores, president of Bravo Class 2008, thanked family members for their support, class instructors for their dedication and coordinator Dragoo for his leadership.

"The minute Mr. Dragoo walked in the classroom in late September, we knew he meant business," Flores said. "On behalf of the class I thank him and all our instructors for giving us the tools we needed to succeed."

Following Flores’ remarks, instructor Andy Davila called each candidate forward to receive their certificate of completion.

Academy coordinator Dragoo presented a plaque of appreciation to Uvalde Police Chief Fred Garza for his support in helping provide instructors for the academy from the local police department.

The basic peace officer training course at SWTJC consists of 700 hours of instruction, both "hands on" as well as classroom, covering all the requirements of the State of Texas for the licensing of a peace officer.

Spring classes will be offered, starting in January in Uvalde, Eagle Pass and Hondo.

For more information on the academy and upcoming classes contact Dragoo or academy administrative assistant Pat Olivarez at 591-4158 or 591-7314.

The college has initiated a project called Fast Track – College Connection targeting GED graduates in SWTJC’s 11-county service area.

"We want to provide hands-on, one-on-one support to assist GED graduates through each step of the college admissions process," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said. "We will also assist students in applying for financial aid."

Barker said the project involves a wide range of college departments including admissions, counseling, Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), Adult Basic Education (ABE), financial aid and recruiting.

To jump-start the project for the upcoming spring semester, the college will host recruitment events across its service area.

In Uvalde, a recruiting event is slated on Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Testing Center which is located in the R.K. Miller Building on the Uvalde campus.

Additional recruiting events are scheduled Dec. 1 in Eagle Pass, Dec. 2 in Crystal City, and Dec. 4 in Del Rio.

For more information on the project and recruiting day contact Marysa Martinez, EOC educational specialist, at 830.279.1860.

Eric Ede of Ede & Company, Certified Public Accountants, gave the board a detailed audit report for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2008.

"The college received an unqualified opinion again this year, which is the best opinion you can receive," Ede told the board.

Total assets for the college for fiscal year 2008 were $30,429,335. Net assets for the year were $14,277,290, a $69,531 increase over fiscal year 2007.

In other items at the board meeting held Nov. 20 in the Matthew’s Student Center Bluebonnet Room, the board gave tentative approval for a remodeling of the current wildlife management building to add classrooms and accommodate a move by the cosmetology department to the expanded facility.

"Our cosmetology program is out of room and our wildlife management program is one of our fastest growing programs," SWTJC Dean of Instructional Services Hector Gonzales said. "We propose to build three additional classrooms and redesign the lobby area in the old aviation building to fully accommodate both of these programs."

Moving the cosmetology program would also free up space in the Espinosa Building to allow for further centralization of Distance Learning rooms and offices, Gonzales said.

"We have already centralized half of our distance learning rooms in Espinosa with space vacated by the Law Enforcement Academy when the academy moved to the Richarz Building," Gonzales said. "That centralization has improved service to our faculty and students, and we believe this proposed move will only make things better."

Gonzales said the next step in the project would be to have plans formally drawn up to present to the board for their consideration at a future meeting. The board voted to move forward with the proposed project.

In personnel matters, the board approved the hiring of Charlene Bell to the position of Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.) faculty.

The board also approved the appointment of Connie Buchanan as chair of the college’s business division. Buchanan replaces current chair Bea Garcia, who asked to resign as division chair due to personal health issues. Garcia will retain her position as an instructor with the college.

Board members also approved a six course drop rule in line with a state law mandating the policy, adopted a new 403b plan and voted not to hold a December board meeting.

"This year, registration will be held and all races will begin in the center of our campus near the fountain area," event co-chairman Rob Fowler said. "Former SWTJC student Elisa Luevano will sing the National Anthem to start things off at 8:15 a.m. and the first race will begin at 8:30."

A variety of activities for children have been added to this year’s Turkey Trot.

"In addition to our usual running/walking events, we’ve added a fall family fair to this year’s activities," event co-chairman Derek Sandoval said. "We want happy hearts and smiling faces to join us for all the fun."

Activities planned for the kids include a sidewalk chalk activity sponsored by the SWTJC art department, face painting, a duck pond, a bounce house jump-a-lot and kids fingerprinting by the SWTJC law enforcement academy.

Representatives of the Uvalde Youth Basketball Association will also be on hand to conduct their first registration for the upcoming season.

The SWTJC Catholic Club will sell breakfast tacos and hot dogs during the event. Musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Music and the SWTJC Ballet Folklorico Club will also perform.

Rural Health Services, Our Health/Nuestro Centro de Salud, Wal-Mart Eye Center and the U.S. Border Patrol will also be on hand Saturday to provide free screenings and information about their respective organizations.

This year’s Turkey Trot will include 10K and 5K runs, a 5K walk, a one-mile kids’ run and a Kids K run.

Trophies and participation ribbons will be awarded male and female winners in a variety of age divisions. All entrants will also be eligible to win in a drawing for five turkeys that will be given away.

An online registration form is available at www.swtjc.net. Race day registration is also welcome. Registration fees are $20 for 10K and 5K runs/walk, $15 for the one-mile kids’ run and $12 for the Kids K run. T-shirts will be given to all participants.

The 10K and 5K events will begin at 8:30 followed by the one-mile kids’ run at 9:45. The Kids K will begin at 10:15 a.m. An awards ceremony at 10:45 will wrap up the day’s activities.

"I was an average student in math during high school," the 1999 Crystal City High School graduate said. "When I first came to SWTJC, right out of high school, I missed passing the THEA math test by a few points and then I took the THEA again and did worse."

Flores eventually moved to Corpus Christi and took some classes at Del Mar College, but she kept putting off her math requirement. In the summer of 2007, she enrolled in classes again at SWTJC.

"I’m a single mom and I now have two sons, a four-year-old, Matthew, and a two-year-old, Lathon," the 27-year-old Flores explained. "When I started taking classes again, my boys gave me the incentive I needed to be a much more focused student."

Flores had her sights set on being accepted in the SWTJC Vocational Nursing Program, but there was still that "math thing" hanging over her head like a dark cloud. When a counselor suggested she enroll in a math linking class last fall, Flores said she really didn’t know exactly what she was getting in to.

First initiated at SWTJC in 2006, through funding from the Lumina Foundation’s Achieving the Dream Program, math linking allows students whose entrance exam scores indicate placement in the highest level of developmental math (MATH 0303), to double up and take college algebra (MATH 1314) at the same time.

"For me, taking the two classes back-to-back really helped," Flores said. "We were going over the basics in 0303 and then going right in and putting those basics to work in college algebra."

Having the two classes linked also helped Flores develop a peer network of fellow students facing the same math challenges.

"We got to know each other pretty well," Flores said. "It gave me a feeling of not being alone. Once we got to know each other we really did help each other out."

Flores also credits instructor Claudio Valenzuela with making the class succeed. "He taught both classes and was very encouraging," she said. "He definitely went the extra mile for his students."

In the end, Flores made As in both classes and went on to pass the THEA exam with flying colors. "It was such a relief to have college algebra behind me," Flores said. "It is a pre-requisite for the nursing program, so I had to pass it to be able to keep following my dream."

When she finishes the vocational nursing program and passes her state licensing exam next spring, Flores hopes to return to Corpus Christi and seek employment in a hospital or with a home health agency.

Until then, Flores will continue working hard in her classes, driving a SWTJC van to and from Crystal City and taking care of her two sons. But that "math thing" isn’t following her anymore.

Dance music was provided by Grupo Vida.

A total of 90 votes were cast Nov. 4 in the mock election with Obama/Biden taking 76% of the vote to 23% for John McCain/Sarah Palin. Libertarian candidates Bob Barr/Wayne Root received 1%.

In the U.S. Senate race, Democrat Rick Noriega outpolled Republican incumbent John Cornyn 76% to 17%, with the Libertarian candidate receiving 7% of the 87 votes cast.

Incumbent Democratic U.S. representative Ciro D. Rodriguez received 76% of 86 votes cast, while Republican candidate Lyle Larson tallied 21% and Libertarian Lani Connolly got 3%.

The Eta Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society conducted the mock election.

For information on tickets contact SWTJC public information assistant Wade Carpenter at 591-7351.

"We dropped this requirement last year, but have reinstated it for the spring 2009 semester," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said. "We believe it will give students a chance to get better advising and make the overall registration process run more smoothly."

According to Barker, re-admission forms can be accessed online or picked up and filled out in the Flores Student Services Building in Uvalde. Forms are also available at main administrative offices in Crystal City, Del Rio and Eagle Pass.

To access the forms online visit the college web site at www.swtjc.net and click on current students and then go to the registrar’s/admissions link.

Once a readmission form is submitted, students will receive a time permit for registration which will be conducted in the afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m.

Advisor-assisted registration for new, first-time students, will be conducted in the mornings from 8:30 to 11:30.

"Only students who are not enrolled in developmental classes or have completed their developmental requirements will receive time permits for early registration from Nov. 12 through Dec. 12," Barker said. "Students who receive a time permit, but are TSI complete and eligible to register online may disregard the time permit and complete their registration online starting Nov. 12."

No time permits will be issued for dual credit students, or students enrolled in technical programs, but they are still required to submit a re-admission form. Technical students will be registered by technical instructors.

Current students enrolled in developmental classes will be given time permits to register in January during specific dates on each campus.

On-site registration will be held as follows: Jan. 6, Del Rio; Jan. 7, Eagle Pass; Jan. 8, Crystal City; and Jan. 12, 14 and 15, Uvalde.

Students currently enrolled in developmental classes, may register online after Dec. 12 if they complete developmental requirements at the end of the fall semester.

The new purchasing policy approved by the board increases the floor for bids requiring three quotations from $250 to $500. New travel policies increase the mileage rate from 4.05 to 5.85 cents and set the meal reimbursement rate for authorized travel at $36 per day.

Additional information about Thomas, including audio clips of his poetry, is available on his web site at www.larrydthomas.com

Leadership conference

SWTJC Uvalde student Abby Saiz (left) and student support services assistant Julie Garcia prepare to take on the ropes course during a recent leadership conference in East Texas.
SWTJC students show
leadership at conference
Six SWTJC students from the Student Support Services Program recently attended the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs (SWASAP) TRIO student leadership conference held Sept. 26 - 28, held at Sky Ranch Camp in Van, TX.

"I am very proud of our students who participated in the conference," said SWTJC student support services assistant Julie Garcia. "It was an eye-opening experience for them but they really grasped the idea of helping others by participating in community service."

At the conference, students volunteered at the East Texas Food Bank where they helped sort and pack food for 300 families.

Leadership workshops were also part of the weekend agenda. The SWTJC group also had the opportunity to participate in various outdoor games and activities that included a high-ropes course and zip line.

The conference is held annually as an opportunity to improve student leadership skills, to expose students to community service opportunities and to explore the political process.

Three cash scholarships were awarded based on leadership skills students demonstrated during several activities throughout the weekend.

Cody Davis of Utopia and Abby Saiz of Uvalde were two of the three recipients awarded with $150 scholarships.

Student support services provides tutoring, academic advising, university campus tours, workshops and other services to qualifying students attending SWTJC.

For more information on the program contact Julie Garcia at (830) 591-7295.

Monetary and dessert donations are also being sought for the event.

"Archaeological Evidence for the Origins of Affluence," on Dec. 2.

For information on tickets or corporate table sponsorships, contact SWTJC public information assistant Wade Carpenter at 591-7351.

Started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson of Texas, the observance was expanded by President Ronald Regan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period beginning on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15.

Texas Poet Laureate
to visit Uvalde, SWTJC

SWTJC English instructor Terri Tucker invited Thomas to Uvalde and urges all area residents to come and hear the West Texas native read from his latest collection of poetry.

"I’ve known Larry for nine years, since we first met at the annual Angelo State University Elmer Kelton Writing Conference," Tucker said. "He is a great guy. He’s down to earth, humble and very talented. His poetry captures the Texas and Southwest spirit."

A 1970 graduate of the University of Houston with a BA degree in English literature, Thomas resides in Houston where he pursued a career in criminal justice for 31 years, the last 15 as branch director for the Harris County Adult Probation Department.

According to his web site, Thomas started writing poetry seriously in the early 1970s during his four-year tour of duty in the U.S. Navy. He spent his entire tour in Norfolk, Virginia, serving as a correctional counselor in the Navy prison.

Since his retirement in 1998, Thomas has been employed as a full-time poet. He has published nine collections of poetry, including his most recent, published in 2008 by TCU Press in its Texas Poet Laureate series, entitled: Larry D. Thomas: New and Selected Poems.

Other poetry collections by Thomas include: The Fraternity of Oblivion, Where Skulls Speak Wind, Stark Beauty, The Woodlanders and Amazing Grace.

His books have won numerous awards, including two Texas Review Poetry Prizes (2001 and 2004), the 2003 Western Heritage Award, a Poet’s Prize nomination and three Spur Award Finalist citations. In 2007 Thomas was appointed by the Texas Legislature as the 2008 Texas Poet Laureate.

Thomas’s visit to Uvalde will begin with a book signing on Oct. 15 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at First State Bank. That evening, from 7 to 8 p.m., Thomas will be reading from his latest book during a presentation in the Tate Auditorium on the SWTJC Uvalde campus. A reception and book signing will follow the reading.

On Oct. 16, Thomas will read selections from his various poetry collections during a second presentation for SWTJC students, faculty and staff at 11 a.m. in the Tate Auditorium.

"It is a rare opportunity for us to have such a renowned artist visit our community and I hope area residents will mark these dates on their calendars and join us for Larry’s visit," Tucker said.

Additional information about Thomas, including audio clips of his poetry, is available on his web site at www.larrydthomas.com

In an interview on his web site, from the Summer/Fall issue of Texas Books In Review, Thomas offered these words for aspiring poets: "Read voraciously the literature of the past as well as the present; study the craft of poetry as if your very life depended upon it; polish your poetry as if you were a jeweler polishing a stone; and never, under any circumstances, stop believing it its worth."

Rodeo entertainer

Hall of Fame rodeo clown Leon Coffee will perform at the 46th Annual SWTJC Rodeo in Uvalde on Oct. 9-11.
Top entertainer to perform
at 2008 SWTJC rodeo
Professional rodeo clown Leon Coffee will be the featured entertainer next month at the 46^th Annual Southwest Texas Junior College Rodeo.

"When it comes to entertainment, Leon is one of the best rodeo clowns in the business," SWJTC rodeo coach Roy Angermiller said. "He puts on a fantastic show and we are excited to have him coming back to Uvalde.

Coffee, a native of Blanco, Texas, was crowned Rodeo Clown of the Year in 1983 and was one of the top three candidates for clown of the year honors from 1984-2001. He was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in February 2004.

Known as "The Boogie Man," Coffee was selected for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) National Finals Rodeo a total of six times as both a bullfighter and barrelman. He is one of only three men to be chosen as both NFR bullfighter and barrelman.

With over 30 years experience in the arena, Coffee is best known for his flamboyance and humor.

"People come to a rodeo to watch the athletes in action, but they also like to have a few laughs and a good time and that’s where I come in," Coffee said.

In addition to his work with the PRCA, Coffee is also a familiar face on the college rodeo circuit having worked the College National Finals Rodeo numerous times.

Action in the 46^th Annual Southwest Texas Junior College Rodeo will bust out of the chutes Oct. 9-11 at the Uvalde County Fairgrounds.

Top collegiate athletes from across Texas and Louisiana will compete in the annual event sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).

Tickets can be purchased in Uvalde at Texas Farm Store, Rockin R, WalMart, Country Garden & Seed, Hondo National Bank, Oasis Outback and the SWTJC Administration Building.

Cost of admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 will be admitted free of charge. SWTJC students, faculty and staff will be admitted free of charge by showing a current SWTJC id.

The SWTJC Friends and Alumni Network will be in charge of this year’s concession stand which will feature fajitas, sausage wraps, cold drinks and a variety of other items.

For more information about the upcoming event contact coach Angermiller at 830-591-6386.

Dual credit program

Lee Flores (right) is beginning his second year as SWTJC's dual credit instructor for the air-conditioning and refrigeration program. Flores is a 2005 graduate of SWTJC.
Air-conditioning dual credit
class begins second year
Southwest Texas Junior College air-conditioning and refrigeration instructor Lee Flores is the proverbial home grown product.

A 1994 graduate of Uvalde High School, Flores received his associate of applied science degree in 2005 from SWTJC.

Last school year, Flores taught the first dual-credit air-conditioning and refrigeration class at Uvalde High School.

"Lee was a good student and served as my lab assistant for three years," SWTJC instructor and applied science division chair Al Ramirez said. "He was a logical choice to lead our dual credit program and is doing a great job."

According to Flores, during the 2007-2008 school year, seven students enrolled in the first air-conditioning and refrigeration class offered at UHS.

"I had four seniors and three juniors last year," Flores said. "All three of the juniors are in the class again this year and three of the seniors who graduated are enrolled at SWTJC."

This year, Flores said he expects 15 to 20 students to be in the dual-credit class, when all is said and done.

"They are still working on some schedules, but I think I may have as many as 20 students this year and that’s great," Flores said. "I think the word is getting out that this is a good program that offers excellent employment opportunities for those who complete it."

According to Flores, the program is open to high school juniors and seniors. Dual-credit offers students the opportunity to receive high school and college credit at the same time. Students who successfully complete two years of the program while in high school will earn enough credits to receive a one-year certificate of completion from the college.

Credits earned in high school can also be applied toward requirements for a two-year certificate or the associate of applied science degree, other options available in the SWTJC Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Program.

All dual-credit tuition and fees are covered by the college. Books, tools and supplies are also provided.

"By enrolling in our program’s dual -credit classes for two years, students can save between $3,500 and $4,000," Flores said. "They can also cut the completion time in half if they decide to pursue their AAS degree."

Students who complete two years in high school also have a certificate which can help them get summer or part-time employment while they complete their college coursework.

"With a one-year certificate students can expect to start out making between $10 and $15 an hour and it goes up with each level of the program they complete," Flores said.

According to Flores, students who complete a two-year certificate can expect hourly wages in the $15 to $20 range while students who receive an associate in applied science degree can expect to make between $18 and $25 per hour.

"It’s not unusual for graduates with their AAS degree to get signing bonuses of $1,000 or more," Flores said. "There is definitely a high demand for air-conditioning technicians, especially in Texas. I’ve never known anyone who got their AAS who couldn’t find employment."

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that 30,000 new air-conditioning technicians are needed annually, mostly in the southern and southwestern U.S.

"Every February, our phones start ringing with requests for names of students who will be completing their degree," Flores said. "Employment opportunities in the industry are excellent."

In addition to his teaching assignment, Flores also works in the afternoons and during the summer for Richard’s Refrigeration in Uvalde.

"The hands-on experience I get working in the field helps me keep up with new equipment and industry standards," Flores said, "and makes me better prepared to teach my classes."

Flores is married to Uvalde native, Selina Flores. The couple have five children.

For more information about the program contact Flores at 591-7262.