Post on 29-Mar-2016
description
THE RANGER
Happy HalloweenA holiday to die for
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926 Single copies free
Vol. 84 Issue 7 Oct. 30, 2009
THE HUNGER 9
FUN PREDICTED 11
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 12
The Ranger • Vol. 84 • Issue 7 Oct. 30, 2009 • 3
Only online @ theranger.org
People slideshow
SAC forum slideshow
Men’s basketball
DIY student T-shirts
Musicians entertain engineers conference
How to spot a potentially dangerous employee
Donor event takes parking without notice
SPC dean moved to Southwest Campus
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926The RangeR
www.theranger.org
4 Blotter
6 NewsBoard chair sees communication gap with employeesBy Jason B. HoganPhoto by Destiny Mata
7 Legal for just a dayStory and photos by Leda Garcia
8 Student Goverment election next weekBy Zahra Farah
Trial of library shooterBy Vanessa Sanchez
9 Three events to highlight needs of hungerBy Zahra Farah
10 Faculty questions Zeigler on contracts and construction bidsBy Vanessa Sanchez
11 PremiereFaculty and students invited to display talentBy Trey Randolph
Psychic fair beckonsclairvoyant studentsBy Jason B. Hogan
12 Mortuary science celebrates life with Day of the Dead eventsBy Laura GarciaIllustration by Juan Carlos Campos
14 ‘Aesop’s Fables’ shares moral tales in children’s showBy Mario Anguiano
15 Calendar
16 People
18 EditorialsCartoonUse campus help to sharpen edgeOpt out of rotten dealBook more students
20 ViewpointWitch of a studentBy Vanessa Sanchez
21 LetterReading Ranger advantageous
22 PulseAnxiety attackBy Tyler K. ClevelandPhoto by Destiny Mata
Soccer schedule
23 Lady Rangers tame Tigers in volleyball winBy Tyler K. ClevelandPhotos by Destiny Mata
24 BackpageBloody Ball lures thrill-seekers to haunted housePhotos by Leda Garcia
Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday!
4 • Oct. 30, 2009 The Ranger
Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio, TX 78204-1429Work: 485-0020 Fax: 208-8149E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu
District 1: Dr. Bernard Weiner929 Manor Drive, Ste. 7, San Antonio, TX 78228 Work: 735-9151 E-mail: bweinermd@satx.rr.com
District 2: Denver McClendon3811 Willowwood Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com
District 3: Anna Bustamante511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221Work: 882-1603 Fax: 927-4557E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu
District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas115 Wainwright, San Antonio, TX 78211Home: 922-6815 Fax: 923-3167 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu
District 5: Roberto Zárate4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio, TX 78251E-mail: rzarate11@alamo.edu
District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague14722 Iron Horse WayHelotes, TX 78023Work: 567-5544 Fax: 520-9185E-mail: sprague@uthscsa.edu
District 7: Charles ConnerHome:361-949-0191E-mail: cconner8@alamo.edu
District 8: Gary Beitzel15403 Forest Mist, San Antonio, TX 78232Home: 496-5857 E-mail: gbeitzel@accd.edu
District 9: James A. Rindfuss109 Laburnum, San Antonio, TX 78209Home: 828-4630 Work: 375-2555Home Fax: 832-8292 Office Fax: 375-0301 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu
Officials
San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler486-0959, rzeigler@alamo.edu
Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno486-5484, ereno@alamo.edu
Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch486-4900, jclaunch@alamo.edu
Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman486-3960, aguzman@alamo.edu
St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston486-2900, aloston@alamo.edu
Presidents
SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE
Oct. 18 – An officer reported
hearing gunshots.
Oct. 19 – An individual report-
ed lost district keys in Moody.
Oct. 20 – An individual report-
ed graffiti on a district sign.
An individual reported theft
of a personal cell phone in
Fletcher.
A criminal trespass warning
was issued to a male in Loftin.
An individual was stopped for
a traffic violation and found to
have an active SAPD warrant.
SAPD arrived and took cus-
tody of individual.
Oct. 21 – An individual
reported a male and a female
involved in inappropriate
behavior in Fletcher.
An individual reported an
irate student being loud and
belligerent.
An officer assisted Leon Valley
police to locate a vehicle.
Oct. 22 - An individual reported
a hit-and-run vehicle accident.
An individual reported dam-
age to a campus parking sign
in the parking garage.
An individual reported a stu-
dent not following directions
during class in McCreless.
An individual reported a male
feeling ill in Loftin. EMS treat-
ed the male.
Oct. 23 – An individual report-
ed two males riding bikes in
the parking garage.
An individual reported a sus-
picious male being loud and
vulgar in Loftin.
Oct. 25 – An individual
reported a suspicious male in
the area. Male found to be a
contract worker.
PALO ALTO COLLEGE
Oct. 18 - An individual report-
ed an assault, which started
off campus.
Oct. 19 – An individual
reported graffiti on a campus
building.
An individual reported found
property. Item placed in prop-
erty locker.
An individual reported feeling
ill. EMS treated individual.
An individual reported a hit-
and-run vehicle accident.
Oct. 20 – An individual report-
ed theft of a district laptop in
Ozuna.
An individual reported being
injured in a parking lot.
An individual reported a sus-
picious item in the trash can
of a restroom in fine arts.
Oct. 21 – An individual
requested assistance in
retrieving personal paper-
work.
An individual reported a suspi-
cious male taking a stereo out
of a vehicle in a parking lot.
An individual reported found
property in the natatorium.
Oct. 23 – An individual
requested an officer stand by
while he spoke to a male indi-
vidual in applied technology.
ST. PHILIP’S COLLEGE
Oct. 17 – An individual
reported a male attempting
to gain access into welcome
center. Male found to be an
employee.
Individual reported lost per-
sonal property.
Oct. 19 – An individual
reported a suspicious male in
the area.
An individual reported stolen
personal property.
An individual reported a hit-
and-run vehicle accident.
An individual reported a
vehicle striking her while in a
crosswalk. Medical treatment
refused.
Oct. 20 – An individual report-
ed found property in Norris.
An individual reported a
suspicious male asking for
money. Male departed with-
out further incident.
An individual reported found
property. Item placed in prop-
erty locker.
An individual reported a per-
sonal vehicle being burglarized.
Oct. 21 – An individual report-
ed found property in the sci-
ence building.
Oct. 22 – An individual report-
ed feeling ill in Sutton.
An individual reported a sus-
picious male following her
around campus.
An individual reported a sus-
picious male in Sutton. Male
departed before officers’ arrival.
An individual reported a male
and a female arguing.
A male with an active warrant
in the learning and leader-
ship development center was
arrested.
Blotter
The Ranger Oct. 30, 2009 • 5
An individual reported graffiti on
Nail. No suspects.
Oct. 23 – An individual reported
found property in the campus
center.
An individual reported labor pains
from pregnancy in the welcome
center. EMS treated individual.
An individual reported found
property in Norris. Item placed in
property locker.
An individual reported two males
who appeared to be intoxicated in
the center for learning resources.
Northwest Vista College
Oct. 17 - An individual reported
found property in Juniper. Item
placed in property locker.
Oct. 18 - An individual reported
missing personal property in
Juniper.
Oct. 19 – An individual reported
damage to personal vehicle.
Oct. 20 – An individual reported
lost personal keys in Pecan.
An individual reported found
property in Juniper.
Oct. 21 – An individual reported
found property in a parking lot.
An individual reported being
injured in Juniper. Medical treat-
ment refused.
An individual reported theft of
personal property.
An individual reported found
property in Mountain Laurel. Item
placed in property locker.
Oct. 24 – An individual reported
graffiti in the men’s restroom. No
suspects.
Oct. 25 – An individual reported
found property in Huisache. Item
placed in property locker.
Northeast lakeView
College
Oct. 19 – An individual reported
found property in a parking lot.
Oct. 20 – An individual reported
a female having a seizure in the
academic center.
An individual reported found
property.
Oct. 21 – An individual reported
the smell of grease coming from
the kitchen of commons. Facilities
division advised.
An individual reported damage to
a personal vehicle.
Oct. 22 – An individual reported
being injured in the wellness cen-
ter. Medical treatment refused.
An individual reported found
property in academic. Item placed
in property locker.
southwest Campus
Oct. 19 – An individual reported
theft of personal property.
Oct. 20 - An individual reported
graffiti in a men’s restroom.
Oct. 21 - An individual reported
theft of personal property.
Oct. 22 - An individual reported
found property. Item placed in
property locker.
Oct. 23 - An individual reported
theft of personal textbooks.
ContaCt InfoEmergency222-0911
General DPS485-0099
Weather Line485-0189
Cuffed: Law enforcement trainees David Salcido and Mario Flores practice handcuffing procedures Oct. 19 at the law
enforcement training annex. It takes about one year of training to become a police officer.
Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle
Awareness: Patricia Kittle, training and education coor-
dinator at Childsafe, lectures on child abuse Wednesday
at the Methodist Student Center for Domestic Violence
Awareness Day. Kittle discussed issues surrounding
what to do when child abuse is suspected. Other spoke
on conflict resolution and escaping abusive relation-
ships.
6 • Oct. 30, 2009 The Ranger
By Jason B. Hogan
Board Chairman Denver McClendon,
District 2, told about 200 faculty, staff and stu-
dents at the forum Oct. 22 at this college, “There
is a disconnect.”
McClendon reiterated that the disconnect
was evident after Faculty Senate votes of no
confidence for Chancellor Bruce Leslie were pre-
sented at the Sept. 15 board of trustees meeting,
while the Alamo Community College District
trustees responded with a vote of confidence.
He opened the forum at St. Philip’s College
Oct. 15 with the same transcript and proceeded
to lay ground rules for three-minute questions
from the audience.
But after almost two hours, Linda Lowman,
early childhood studies professor and Faculty
Senate officer, said the forums at this college
and St. Philip’s College were scripted down to
the egg timer the trustees use to limit audience
questions and responses.
She said the timer needs to be shelved.
As long as this format continues, it will be an
us vs. them mentality, Lowman said.
But trustees defended their decisions as well
as trustee travel to national conferences and
cost factors in tough economic times.
Recently, as reported in The Ranger, six trust-
ees and the board liaison, Phyllis Rodriguez-
Williams, traveled to San Francisco to attend
an annual conference, “Achieving Success in a
Global Economy: Navigating the Educational
Landscape During Turbulent Times.”
McClendon and three other trustees in
attendance — Roberto Zárate, District 5, Gary
Beitzel, District 8, and James Rindfuss, District
9 — said the trip was warranted because, in the
past, they discovered efforts to save students
textbook costs from other attending districts.
This time, McClendon said one commu-
nity college attributed its successes to single
accreditation, even though, he said, outside
discussions have little bearing on any decisions
the board will make.
Following the open forum, Dr. Jonathan Lee,
history professor, said three years ago he was on
a state governor’s commission, and, in the pro-
cess, they reviewed the El Paso example board
Chairman Denver McClendon referenced of a
community college increasing student success
because of single accreditation.
Political science Professor Christy
Woodward-Kaupert said this affirms the prob-
lem faculty and staff have with the board and
current administration because San Francisco
was a wasted trip. If they had more respect for
employees of the colleges, trustees would never
have a need to attend the conference and dis-
trict money could have been saved.
Some faculty and staff commented on sepa-
ration and failed communication by district and
board representatives.
English Chair Alex Bernal said low morale at
the colleges hurts the most with the staff.
“They are the people who first meet our
students,” he said.
Bernal said he understands the difference
between Leslie’s retention bonus and a raise,
but trustees would have been better received by
the masses if they had tabled the agenda item
that approved the chancellor’s contract.
“It would have given the impression that you
were listening,” he said.
Many academic unit assistants have been
employed with the district for more than 25
years, Bernal said, and they are only making
$35,000 compared to Leslie’s $30,000 retention
bonus.
“We can deal with a few faculty leaving,”
Bernal said. Instead of technical improvements,
Bernal suggested being a people-first district
and giving academic unit assistants, or what
he called the fancy word for secretary, a few
Christmas bonuses.
Not all faculty and staff in attendance disap-
proved of the board and district’s direction.
Manuel Flores, enrollment management
director, quoted William G. McGinnis, stating:
“A healthy, high-performing governing
board is key to a community college’s success.
Good boards attract and appoint good leaders,
and when all focus together on student success,
they benefit the whole campus and community.
Likewise, a dysfunctional board hurts the entire
college and community,” and Flores said it has
led to a loss of accreditation in other districts.
Flores said he approves of the district’s direc-
tion and its strategic plan to reinvent student
success.
McClendon said the board will continue to
improve on the disconnect that exists among
trustees, district administration and employees
at the college level.
Board chair sees communication gap with employeesThe format of forum with
trustees was unproductive,faculty and staff say.
A forum with trustees and the chancellor at Palo Alto College
is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. Wednesday in Room 109
of the fine arts building.
Forums at Northwest Vista and Northeast Lakeview have
not been scheduled.
Rowland Martin, representing the ad hoc Strategic Committee of Adjunct Faculty Council, asks to meet with the chancel-
lor at the town hall meeting Oct. 22 in the nursing allied health center.
Destiny Mata
The Ranger Oct. 30, 2009 • 7
STORY AND PHOTOS BY LEDA GARCIA
More than 50 aerosol art-
ists from Germany, Spain and
all around the country came to
San Antonio to be part of the
Clogged Caps 6 live art graffiti fes-
tival Saturday at The Yard, 525 San
Pedro Ave.
The event was sponsored by
Red Bull energy
drink and German
Montana spray paint.
Supher, a graffiti
artist, who paid for a
street closure permit,
organized and coor-
dinated the event.
This is the first time the Clogged
Caps event took place in this loca-
tion where artists were able to
come together and create graffiti
legally on four reserved walls along
The Yard, a clothing boutique, and
Laura’s Laundry next door.
The only aerosol exhibition in
the South, Supher said, included
10 local DJs with break dancing
and skateboarding demos from
sun up to sun down.
Developing artists had the
chance to get their black books, or
practice sketch books, signed by
other artists.
“This event was awesome,”
Adela Arellano, an attendee, said.
“It was an eye-open-
er to my son who
loves art.”
Arellano’s son,
10-year-old Romello
Arellano, did not
have a black book,
but he offered his white T-shirt and
khaki shorts as a wearable canvas
to collect signatures from the art-
ists.
“I enjoyed working, helping out
at this event, especially with these
artists because at one point, I used
to look up to them,” said digital
design freshman Trevor Miranda,
a volunteer at the event. “But now,
I consider myself at the same level
with most of the artists.”
English freshman Jackie De Los
Reyes showed off her break-danc-
ing skills. “I liked that the commu-
nity came together as one to enjoy
the day with what brings joy to our
hearts.”
The graffiti art created by these
aerosol muralists will stay up for at
least six months for the commu-
nity to enjoy, Josh Pearl, employee
at The Yard, said.
The four walls are perpendicu-
lar to San Pedro, two on the south
side of Laura’s Laundry and two on
the north side.
For more information on graf-
fiti events, go to www.thepaint-
yard.com.
Though the artists were legal for
the day, the Texas Penal Code ranks
graffiti from a Class B misdemean-
or to a first-degree felony offense
depending on the level of damage.
Depending on circumstances,
the sentence can range from jail
time of 180 days and a fine not to
exceed $2,000 to 99 years and a fine
of $10,000.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY LEDA GARCIA
Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal for justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justfor justa daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya daya day
Josh Stevens, an invited graf-
fi ti artist from Houston, retouches
some detail on his art work.
Education fresh-
man Jackie De Los
Reyes break danc-
es to the music of
one of the live DJs
playing during the
event.
Romello Arellano, 10, collects a
signature from one of the graffi ti
artists using his own clothing as
a black book.
Hera from Ma’Claim Crew of Germany
paints a realistic graffi ti piece along with
her partner, Rusk.
Aerosol artists come together to create art at the Clogged Caps 6 festival Saturday at The Yard, 525 San Pedro Ave.
8 • Oct. 30, 2009 The Ranger
By Vanessa M. sanchez
It has been a year since Northeast
Lakeview College Librarian Donald
“Devin” Zimmerman was killed
over a feud with a co-worker.
Alan Godin, a for-
mer part-time librar-
ian at the college, goes
on trial at 9:30 a.m.
today in the 187th
District Court.
Zimmerman was
at work Oct. 20, 2008,
in the Albertsons facil-
ity on Pat Booker Road
when Godin, who lost a full-time
position to Zimmerman, walked
into the library and fired repeat-
edly at the librarian, witnesses
said.
Zimmerman was the only
injury. After firing, Godin sat
down, set down his gun and wait-
ed for the police to arrive. He has
been in custody and charged with
murder in the first degree since
then on a $250,000 bond.
After the shooting, the library
closed and reopened on the new
campus of Northeast Lakeview.
Library Dean Tracy Mendoza
said in an e-mail Oct. 23 that the
college and library has “identified
a beautiful old-growth
live oak to be designat-
ed the Reading Tree in
honor of Devin’s pas-
sion for the Earth and
education.”
Mendoza also
noted the dedication
of the Donald Devin
Zimmerman Library
Instruction Classroom.
Julie Nichols, who worked at
Northwest Vista with Godin’s wife,
Christine, has filled Zimmerman’s
position since May. She said by
phone Tuesday that she enjoys
being back at a community col-
lege.
Nichols worked at Northwest
Vista for three years before trans-
ferring to the University of Texas
at San Antonio for 2 1/2 years.
Zimmerman
By zahra Farah
The Student Government Association is
accepting applications for the offices of presi-
dent, vice president, secretary and treasurer
and four commissioners-at-large.
The positions will be from December 2009
to January 2011.
Packets are available in the office of student
life on the second floor of Loftin Student Center.
Students who want to run must have at least a
2.5 grade-point average, be taking at least six
hours at this college and be able to meet at 2
p.m. Mondays.
Association President Julianne Cantu, polit-
ical science sophomore, said students who are
elected receive a scholarship of up to $500 for
their elected term. The money covers books, but
whatever is left over goes back to the college.
“You want your focus to be on the student
body, not about getting your books paid,” she
said.
Packets must be submitted by today to
the office of student life or to any association
adviser: Dawn Elmore-McCrary in Room 130A
of Gonzales Hall, Christy Woodward-Kaupert
in Room 217C of Chance Academic Center or
Tandy Schoolcraft in Room 102 of Nail Technical
Center.
Voting begins Nov. 2 on the PALS
Web site. Students also can go to the
Cyber Café on the second floor of
Loftin to access PALS from a com-
puter there. Voting ends Nov. 6.
Cantu said students running for
office should be concerned about
students’ issues and not about the
monetary gain from being in office.
“We are eight people who rep-
resent 24,000 students at SAC,” she
said. “The students’ interest is our No. 1 priority.”
Association members attend every board of
trustees meeting wearing matching shirts and
sitting in the front row to let trustees know stu-
dents have a presence, Cantu said.
“The board meetings are televised, so people
see us when we argue for the students’ needs,” she
said. Board meetings are shown on Time Warner
Cable Channel 98.
Cantu said association members are trying
to do as much good for the student
body as they can.
“I think if you’re going to be at
the school for a while, you should
do something that will make a dif-
ference,” she said.
The association meets three
Mondays each month, with the
third meeting serving as a forum
in the Fiesta Room of Loftin during
which students can ask what their
elected members are doing.
The date for the forum had not been deter-
mined.
The names of the new officers will be
announced at that forum.
Librarian trial opens today
Student government election begins Monday
www.theranger.orgRead the fullstory online.
The Ranger Oct. 30, 2009 • 9
By Zahra Farah
A dollar can buy seven meals for a family
in San Antonio, though the San Antonio Food
Bank, which has seen a 70 percent increase in
demand this year.
Because of the economy, the food bank has
seen people from various walks of life, including
some who never thought about where their next
meal would come from, Erica Benavides, com-
munity investment manager at the San Antonio
Food Bank, said Oct.22.
Three events are scheduled this week to help
feed the hungry.
In honor of Hunger Awareness Month, the
service learning office, with help from the
college honor society Phi Theta Kappa, is
sponsoring the college’s first Hunger Banquet
from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 5 in Room 120 of the
visual arts center.
Guest speakers will be Benavides and
Caroline Richardson, a volunteer with Children’s
Vision International in Colombia.
A donation of $5 or five cans of food is
requested.
The hunger banquet is an opportunity for
students and individuals to get engaged by
walking in the shoes of people who have dealt
with hunger, Benavides said.
“The basic message to get across for stu-
dents to attend the hunger banquet is for them
to know they will be getting a chance to experi-
ence what it is like to go hungry,” she said.
Economics Professor Susan Spencer, a Phi
Theta Kappa adviser, said, “The hunger banquet
is letting our city come take a moment to know
how it feels to be poor.”
Benavides said it is an eye-opening experi-
ence geared to move people to action.
“It’s good to come in with an open mind
because they’re going to get a different perspec-
tive on the world and on the community,” she
said.
The Oxfam Hunger Banquet reports if you
were born in the United States, you can expect
on average to live nearly 78 years. If you live in
Zimbabwe, you have only a 43 percent chance
of surviving past the age of 40.
“We’re fairly well-insulated in Western soci-
ety from these particular problems going on in
the world,” said Justin Storrs, civic engagement
coordinator and a participant in the AmeriCorps
Volunteers in Service to America program.
“It’s not necessarily bad, but our environ-
ment has borders, and it’s important to expand
it because sooner or later what’s beyond those
borders will affect you.”
At the hunger banquet, Benavides’ role is to
provide local and national perspectives on hun-
ger and leave students a message to get involved
in the fight against hunger, she said.
“Part of what I will talk about is my personal
experience with hunger, and my journey to the
food bank,” she said. “I’m going to paint a per-
sonal picture of how people struggle to put food
on the table.”
Each week, about 25,000 people receive
emergency food assistance from an agency in
the San Antonio Food Bank network, states the
Food Research Action Center at www.safood-
bank.org.
At the banquet, people will be picked at
random to eat various meals, Storrs said. The
meals are based on people’s different incomes
around the world, so one student could be hav-
ing a feast while another could be eating beans.
What Storrs did not like about previous ban-
quets he participated in was that they explained
the problem but didn’t offer avenues for stu-
dents to do something about it.
“Other banquets would make students feel
guilty,” he said. “I want to make students feel a
part of the situation.”
Storrs will offer students volunteer oppor-
tunities or students can simply donate food at
any food drive.
The food or money donations at the banquet
will go to the Phi Theta Kappa food pantry to
feed students at this college. The food pantry
is open from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through
Thursday in the basement of the Catholic
Student Center at West Courtland and Belknap
places.
At Phi Theta Kappa, the philosophy is
“Feed a body, feed a mind,” meaning having
good health helps one perform better intel-
lectually.
“Investing in our students and community is
a worthy investment,” Spencer said.
Reservations for the hunger banquet are
required by calling Storrs at 486-0760.
Cheshyre Cheese Club is hosting the
third annual Jack Leslie Food Drive,
named in remembrance of Jack Leslie,
the husband of a former club member.
The purpose is to assist the Empowerment
Center with providing a Thanksgiving meal for
a family who might not have one, said project
director John Brown, computer science fresh-
man.
“Last year, the club raised 400 pounds of
food,” Brown said.
Donation boxes will be located in each build-
ing’s departmental offices or welcome desks.
Donations also will be accepted at the
Cheshyre Cheese Club’s open mic night 6:30
p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 6 in Loftin Student Center.
The drive runs from Oct. 29 through Nov. 24.
Phi Theta Kappa is hosting its second
annual Alumni Association “Pack the
Prius” Thanksgiving food drive for the
food pantry. Nonperishable food items and
cash donations will be accepted 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tuesday through Thursday in the mall.
“Any event that heightens individual aware-
ness of being hungry, without doubt, is a good
endeavor,” Spencer said.
Three events to highlight needs of hungryStudents can educate themselves
on worldwide disparity.
10 • Oct. 30, 2009 The Ranger
By Vanessa M. sanchez
Faculty concerns throughout
the college dominated discussion
at Wednesday’s Faculty Senate
meeting with college president,
Dr. Robert Zeigler.
Library renovations were a
touchy subject.
Zeigler said half of the third
floor is complete, and “the other
half is on the way.”
The lobby will be complete
though “not as extensive as the
original plan, but it will be nice
and changed to
match the rest of the
library.”
Librarian Celita
DeArmond was
not too happy with
that response. She
said when someone
agrees to do some-
thing, it needs to get
done.
Zeigler responded that there
was about $15-20 million for the
renovations, but “we have money
for one floor,” and at the moment,
the plan is to do the rest as more
money becomes available.
“We may well be able to get
money to add on and complete it
phase by phase,” he said.
DeArmond countered, “The
library is the heart of the campus”
and should be renovated because
the community voted on a bond
to do so.
She said the library should be
a place where people want to
go, and at the moment, only one
floor is seeing any notion of new
life.
People will not vote for anoth-
er bond now that the college is
not doing what they said they
would with the 2005 bond money,
she added.
Zeigler said after renovating
three buildings, the bond money
was gone.
“Chemistry-geology was hon-
estly a sick building,” he said,
and the extensive renovations
required took funds away from
working on the library.
However, faculty members
said if no one ever tries to negoti-
ate lower prices, the district will
forever be paying top dollar.
DeArmond said there are also
shelves that need to be fixed or
replaced and because of that,
many books were unavailable.
Zeigler said the
college is working
on getting the older
shelves refurbished.
The question
read: “We’re either
freezing or hotter
than hell, can you
explain that?”
Zeigler said, “I
don’t know. In Room
612 (of Moody) it was 60 degrees.
We’re trying to get that fixed.”
From freezing classrooms, the
talk moved to freezing salaries.
Zeigler said there were
changes to contracts, but it was a
human resources decision.
This year’s faculty contracts
show only salary grade and level
but not the actual salary as in
past years.
The HR department decided
to redo those to not show a salary,
but employees are still required
to sign and return them.
Some members were con-
cerned that their contracts were
from August to August instead of
from August to May and wanted
that changed before they signed
it.
Also noted was the fact that
some of the contracts did not
note if a faculty member had
achieved tenure.
Faculty question ZeiglerTopics include telephone operators,
temperature, contracts and construction bids.
www.theranger.orgGo online to read the entire story on the Faculty Senate meeting with the president.
The Ranger Oct. 30, 2009 • 11Premiere
By Jason B. Hogan
A psychic fair with three tarot card readers,
a dream analyzer, palm reader, numerologist
and a lip blot reader is scheduled from 10 a.m.-
2 p.m. Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin
Student Center.
There will be seven stations set up for
the event, student activities specialist Carrie
Hernandez said, one for each reader. The fair
is free.
Psychics have graced the world for centuries
in some form or fashion.
In an article published by the Catholic
Education Resource Center, tarot cards are pur-
ported to have come into existence in the 14th
century because their first usage dates back to
1391 in Italy.
There are 22 major enigmas printed on each
card, which represent life’s mysteries and cor-
respond to the letters in the Hebrew alphabet
used by the Jewish in ancient divination. Fifty-
six minor enigmas depict 14 figures that corre-
late to four series of paths: intellectual activities,
government, military service and priesthood.
At Encyclopedia.com, I Ching, or “Book of
Changes,” is referenced as a method of divina-
tion that has been used for more than 5,000
years.
Dr. Elizabeth De La Portilla, sociology
instructor, said activities such as tarot card
readings and I Ching have been around a long
time, and their usage is cross-cultural.
“They are tied into a belief system, whether
religious or spiritual practice,” De La Portilla
said. “They (participants) want to have control
over their lives and they feel that these sort of
activities” accomplish that.
De La Portilla said these activities revolve
around practices more faith-based than logical.
But she said, “We need that as human
beings.”
Dr. Thomas Billimek, psychology chair, said
people are more inclined to participate primar-
ily out of curiosity.
“We all look to have some degree of cer-
tainty, some degree of control,” he said.
Adolf Hitler had a heavy reliance on having
his future told, Billimek said, while also being
thankful that it helped lead to his downfall.
Billimek said people also delve into the art
possibly because of a degree of uncertainty in
life, so they seek any alternative means of know-
ing their future.
He is skeptical that many people will make
decisions based on any of those consultations.
But Billimek said, “If the future is vague …
it (psychic consultations) gives the feeling you
have control, then I can see the attraction.”
He also did not advise people to assess stock
market tips and investments purely based on
readings.
Logical people do not let outside forces dic-
tate their lives.
Billimek said, “I would think that individuals
who feel less secure about themselves would be
the type of individuals who would seek out that
information. Everyday people look at it to see
what might turn up.”
By Trey randolpH
Two separate, but perhaps not equal, talent
shows in November will feature talents of stu-
dents and employees.
The student talent show will be 11 a.m. to
1 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin
Student Center. Admission is free. Student
activities specialist Carrie Hernandez said stu-
dent tryouts will be 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
and Tuesday.
Last year’s winner, Jon Coker, then a commu-
nications sophomore, won a $500 scholarship
for his hip-hop choreography. Other entries
have included singing, dancing and comedy.
Entry forms are available at the information
desk in Loftin and may be turned in to student
life in Room 152 of Loftin.
Hernandez said four winners will be award-
ed iPod Nanos.
Faculty and staff also have an upcoming tal-
ent show at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 in the auditorium of
McAllister Fine Arts Center.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door
and $15 military and seniors. Admission is free
for Alamo Colleges students.
All faculty and staff are encouraged to enter
with a performance limited to four minutes.
The faculty and staff show also will feature a
silent auction to benefit technology at this col-
lege. The auction will be before the show, and a
reception will follow the show.
Each department represented in the show
will be entered in a drawing to win a projector.
Faculty and staff applications are available
online at www.alamo.edu/sac/pr/pdf/talen-
tApp2.pdf.
The deadline for applications is noon
Monday and may be faxed to Rose Gonzalez,
executive secretary for the vice president of
student affairs, at 486-1741.
For more information on the student show,
call Hernandez at 486-0128.
For details of the faculty and staff show, call
Gonzalez at 486-0953.
Sociology and psychology professors believe psychic
readings stem from curiosity.
Psychic fair invites clairvoyant students
Display your talent, win an iPod Nano
Tarot card readers, a dream analyzer and palm reader are
scheduled to be appearing at the psychic fair Wednesday
in the Fiesta Room of Loftin.
File photo
By Laura Garcia
Next week, the mortuary science depart-
ment invites you to a celebration involving
skulls, spirits and gravesite decorations.
This is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the
Dead, a time to celebrate the lives of and
reunite with family members who have died.
Day of the Dead altars cropped up all over
campus this week, including in the foreign
languages hallway in the academic instruction
center, nursing and allied health complex and
Nail Technical Center.
The mortuary science department is host-
ing interactive information sessions 9 a.m.-
noon Monday and Tuesday in Nail.
Sessions at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. each
day include how to create “papel picado,” or
intricately cut paper banners in Room 241,
“alfeñiques,” which are sugar skulls made for
children, in Room 234, and “ofrendas,” or tradi-
tional altars, in Room 231.
Mortuary science Professor José Luis
Moreno said the department is excited about
the event and wants to stress the difference
between Halloween and Día de los Muertos.
Moreno is scheduled to direct a session on
ofrendas and what to include in the ritual. On
the south side of Nail near Room 243 is an altar
created by mortuary science faculty.
Another ofrenda will be created by students
on Monday. Students are asked to bring photos
and personal mementos of loved
ones they have lost.
The altars will
be set up for two
more weeks after
the celebration.
Professor Felix B. Gonzales will instruct
visitors Monday and Tuesday on how to create
“very simple” papel picado or paper that is cut
into decorative designs.
He said the papel picado shows a different
perspective and includes festive skeletons and
skulls. The completed art will be displayed on
the first floor of Nail.
Gonzales said “death masks for the living”
will be made from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on both days
as a memento. In the past, people who were
not wealthy would have a mold cast of their
relatives right after they died.
Now a newer technique is used, but he said
the death masks will be fun to make and cited
St. Therese’s sculpture at the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic
Church, 824 Kentucky Ave.
St. Therese’s sister, who was also a nun in the
same convent, made two death masks of her
after the death. One was incorporated into the
tomb chapel at Little Flower here and another
is located in France.
“It is the closest you will come to seeing her
real face,” Gonzales said.
A session on alfeñiques, or sugar skulls,
will be taught by mortuary science Professor
Francisco Solis but with a twist. Instead of the
traditional pure sugar, he will use chocolate
and decorative icing.
The pure sugar would take about eight
hours to dry and Solis said young children
would probably enjoy the chocolate more.
Solis said Día de los Muertos is important
because of cultural awareness especially with
such a large Latino population on campus.
He said it was appropriate for mortuary sci-
ence to host the celebration.
Following the sessions from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
will be a “soft open house” where the public
will be invited to tour the remodeling of the
department.
Refreshments will be served.
The new classrooms have already been in
use this semester, but the tour will give the
public a chance to view the new embalming
and anatomy rooms.
Solis said that some people are not sure
what the celebration is and ask if the holiday
is about voodoo. “It’s only supposed to be a
celebration of life.”
For more information, call 486-1139.
Pre-Columbian and CatholicStill confused about this holiday?
This Latino custom was first celebrated
more than 3,000 years ago, and has been a
vital part of Mexican culture so deep-root-
ed that it survived the
Mortuary science celebrates life with Day of the Dead events
Dia de los
Muertos
12 • The Ranger Premiere
Oct. 30, 2009 • 13
The pure sugar would take about eight
hours to dry and Solis said young children
would probably enjoy the chocolate more.
Solis said Día de los Muertos is important
because of cultural awareness especially with
such a large Latino population on campus.
He said it was appropriate for mortuary sci-
ence to host the celebration.
Following the sessions from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
will be a “soft open house” where the public
will be invited to tour the remodeling of the
department.
Refreshments will be served.
The new classrooms have already been in
use this semester, but the tour will give the
public a chance to view the new embalming
and anatomy rooms.
Solis said that some people are not sure
what the celebration is and ask if the holiday
is about voodoo. “It’s only supposed to be a
celebration of life.”
For more information, call 486-1139.
Pre-Columbian and CatholicStill confused about this holiday?
This Latino custom was first celebrated
more than 3,000 years ago, and has been a
vital part of Mexican culture so deep-root-
ed that it survived the
Spanish conquest and was co-opted by the
Catholic Church to coincide with the Catholic
holidays All Saints’ and All Souls’ days with Nov.
1 reserved particularly for deceased children.
According to “The Day of the Dead, When
Two Worlds Meet in Oaxaca” written by Shawn
D. Haley and Curt Fukuda, the influence el Día
de Muertos has on the daily lives of southern
Mexicans is “immeasurable.”
The book says that the celebration is joy-
ous and exuberant and has an impact on how
people see the world and themselves in it.
Around the middle of October, families
visit the cemeteries and invite their loved ones
to the celebration. They create altars in their
home and host parties for which they save
money all year long.
In addition to the deceased relatives’ favor-
ite foods, “pan de muerto,” or the bread of the
dead, which resembles the shape of a skeleton,
is ordered by many from bakeries.
The popular sugar skulls also hold a deeper
meaning. While outsiders may view the thought
of eating candy skulls morbid, a Mexican views
this act as immortalizing himself. He has no
fear and laughs at death.
This perspective also
explains why artists
use skeletons to parody death. They mock
death by creating papier maché sculptures and
caricatures to show they have no fear.
In America, many Mexican-Americans still
take loved ones’ favorite foods and drinks to
their gravesites and spend time visiting in the
cemetery.
Today, many people celebrate the Day of the
Dead by taking part in citywide celebrations
and purchasing Día de los Muertos artwork. For
citywide events, go to www.sacalaveras.com.
After this college’s celebration, you
could head over to Centro Cultural
Aztlan for their 32nd annual Día
de los Muertos celebration at 1800
Fredericksburg Road. The opening
reception starts at 6 p.m. and will
feature a performance by Urban 15
and installation art created by dozens of
local artists.
For more information, call 432-1896.
Mortuary science celebrates life with Day of the Dead events
Juan Carlos Campos
Premiere
14 • Oct. 30, 2009 The Ranger
By Mario anguiano
The stage play “Aesop’s Fables,” which opens
Monday, is based on a series of stories told by
animals who share moral values with children
and adults.
The play, presented by the department
of theater and speech communication, was
adapted by Robert Lehan. Theater and speech
communications Instructor Charles Falcon is
director, and theater sophomore Ray Seams is
assistant director.
Aesop was believed to be a former Greek
slave in the mid 5th century B.C. Many of his
more than 650 fables have been adapted into
plays often involving anthropomorphic animals
advocating morals.
This adapted version focuses on three fables.
In “The Lion and the Mouse,” Lion discov-
ers Mouse’s size is nothing compared to his
abilities. “Dog in the Manger” demonstrates
that boasting gets one nowhere. In “The Ant
and the Grasshoppers,” Aesop puts
an emphasis on “work now, play
later.”
Economics sophomore Andrew
Olmos, who plays Aesop, said the
costumes and scenery look great
and thinks many in the audience
will respond to “The Ant and the
Grasshoppers.”
Olmos said the story relates to
his experiences and that one must
work hard in the present to attain
the joys of relaxation later.
Falcon said he told his cast
to research many of the tales. He
said the ability to tell a story was
the first step toward getting into
character.
Falcon said the decision to produce “Aesop’s
Fables” as this year’s children’s play came from
economical thinking. With budgets continuing
to decrease in most departments, Falcon saw
an opportunity to present
a play many people are
familiar with.
Daytime productions
for school groups with
reservations will be at
9:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Monday through Nov. 6.
Admission is $1 for school-
age students; and no
charge for adults.
General audiences can
see “Aesop’s Fables” at 7:30
p.m. Thursday and Nov. 6
and at 12:30 p.m. and 2
p.m. Nov. 7 in the audi-
torium of McAllister Fine
Arts Center. Admission is
$5 for adults; $3 for children age 12 and under;
and free for Alamo College Community District
students, faculty and staff with ID.
For more information, call 486-0484.
‘Aesop’s Fables’ shares moral tales starting Monday
Economics sophomore Andrew Olmos
plays Aesop during dress rehearsal
for ‘Aesop’s Fables’ Wednesday in
McAllister.
Destiny Mata
The Ranger Oct. 30, 2009 • 15Calendar
Today
SAC Event: Mike Canales Variety Band
11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of
Loftin. Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: Costume contest 11:30
a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of
Loftin. Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: Video games 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
in the Cyber Cafe of Loftin. Continues
Fridays. Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: 3-on-3 soccer 1 p.m.-4
p.m. at San Pedro Springs Park. Call
486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Go Green appreciation
meeting 1 p.m.-2 p.m. in the craft room of
Loftin. Call 486-0125.
Saturday
SAC Event: Phi Theta Kappa Ronald
McDonald Halloween party noon-2 p.m. in
the Ronald McDonald House, 227 Lewis.
Call 486-0431.
Sunday
Event: “Leaving Behind Time” 2 p.m. in
the auditorium of Leeper at McNay Art
Museum. Call 824-5368.
Monday
SAC Event: United Methodist Student
Movement worship service 11 a.m.-noon
in Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap.
Continues Mondays. Call 733-1441.
SAC Meeting: Mexican-American
Engineers and Scientists 2:30 p.m.–3:30
p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Continues
Mondays. Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: 3-point shoot-out 3 p.m.-5
p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler. Call 486-0125.
Tuesday
SAC Event: Psychology Club ice cream
social 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room
of Loftin. Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: United Methodist Student
Movement Hot Potato 12:15 p.m. in
Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap.
Continues Tuesdays. Call 733-1441.
SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for
Christ noon-1 p.m. in the craft room of
Loftin. Continues Tuesdays. Call 486-1233.
Wednesday
SAC Meeting: Astronomy Club noon-1
p.m. in Room 101 of nursing education.
Continues Wednesdays. Call 486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Teaching Academy
Program Peers 1 p.m.-2 p.m. in Room
128 of Gonzales. Continues Wednesdays.
Call 486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club
2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 127 of Gonzales.
Continues Wednesdays. Call 486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m.-
3 p.m. in Room 606 of Moody. Continues
Wednesdays. Call 486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Gay and Lesbian
Association 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in
Rooms 612-613 of Moody. Continues
Wednesdays. Call 486-0125.
SAC Meeting: SACNAS 2:30 p.m.-3:30
p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Continues
Wednesdays. Call 486-0125.
SAC Meeting: American Institute of
Architecture Students 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
in Room 251 of Chance. Continues
Wednesdays. Call 486-0125.
Thursday
SAC Event: United Methodist Student
Movement Bible study with free lunch at
12:10 p.m. in Methodist Student Center,
102 Belknap. Continues Thursdays. Call
733-1441.
Event: Roger Shimomura “Him-A-Hero”
6:30 p.m. in the sculpture gallery of
Stieren at the McNay Art Museum. Call
824-5368.
Nov. 7
Event: San Antonio’s Fittest Games 10
a.m.-2 p.m. at Alamo CrossFit, 14381
Blanco. $25 registration benefits the
Wounded Warrior Project. Call 279-9259.
Nov. 9
SAC Event: Karaoke 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in
the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125.
Nov. 10
SAC Concert: Mariachi Ensemble at
7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister.
Call 486-0255.
SAC Event: Sociology Department open
house 10 a.m-2 p.m. in Room 303 of
Chance. Call 486-1319.
Nov. 11
SAC Event: Spa Day 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the
mall. Call 486-0125.
SPC Event: Turkey Taste Off 11:30 a.m.
at Central Market on 4821 Broadway. Call
486-2315.
Nov. 13
SAC Event: Dance Dance Revolution 1
p.m.–4 p.m. in the game room of Loftin.
Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: Outdoor movie “Harry
Potter” 7:20 p.m.-10 p.m. in the mall. Call
486-0125.
Nov. 14SAC Tourney: Racquetball tournamet
to benefit Kinesiology Scholarship Fund 9
a.m. in Candler. Call 486-1029.
Nov. 15
Lecture: “Restituting the Goudstikker
Collection” 2 p.m. in Chiego at the McNay
Art Museum. Call 824-5368.
Nov. 16
SAC Concert: Guitar ensemble 7:30
p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call
486-0255.
Nov. 17
SAC Concert: Latin Jazz combo 7:30
p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call
486-0255.
Nov. 18
SAC Concert: Wind Ensemble 2 p.m. in
the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255.
SAC Event: Meet the Majors 9 a.m.-
noon in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call
486-0125.
Nov. 19
Event: Get Reel Film 6:30 p.m. in Chiego
at McNay Art Museum. Call 824-5368.
SAC Performance: “SAC Has Talent”
7 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister.
Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door,
$15 military and seniors; and free for
Alamo Colleges students. Call 486-0953.
Nov. 23
SAC Event: Blood drive through Nov. 24,
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the gymnasium of
Candler. Call 486-0125.
Nov. 29
Event: Him-A-Hero 2 p.m. in the Valero
Learning Center at the McNay Art Museum.
Call 824-5368.
Nov. 30
SAC Event: Student art is LIFE Stone
Metal Press, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in the Fiesta
Room of Loftin. Continues through Dec.4.
Call 486-0125.
Dec. 3
SAC Concert: Holiday benefit concert
7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister.
Donations appreciated. Call 486-0255.
Calendar Legend
SAC: San Antonio CollegeNVC: Northwest Vista CollegeSPC: St. Philip’s CollegeSWC: South West CampusPAC: Palo Alto CollegeNLC: Northeast Lakeview College
For coverage call 486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
16 • Oct. 30, 2009 The RangerPeople
Writing excellence: The Writing Center
recognized 300 students for excellence in
writing Oct. 23 in Koehler.
Moving on: Public relations sophomore Jennifer Flores
and kinesiology sophomore Jessica Flores listen as
Belinda Celis, University of Texas at Austin, answers
their questions at the transfer fair in the nursing and
allied health complex Wednesday.
Cancer awareness (above): Dental
assisting sophomore Tiffany Burg
examines a cancerous breast model
Oct. 22 in Loftin. The breast cancer
awareness booth was sponsored by
the Peer Educators.
Gift of life: Medical assistant Mary
Robles helps education freshman
Victor Mata, who donated blood
Tuesday in a mobile blood van on
the mall west of Moody. Two hun-
dred students signed up to donate
blood to the South Texas Blood and
Tissue Center by 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Leda Garcia
D.A. JamesAndrea Branch
Henriette Mutegwaraba
The Ranger Oct. 30, 2009 • 17People
Raindrops: Rain water puddles inside the academic instruction center Monday. Leaky windows in the new building are scheduled to
be repaired by today.
Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle Regis L. Roberts
Gardening: Karen Solis, tourism freshman
at Palo Alto College, tills soil while danc-
ing to merengue music Oct. 23 at the
Roots of Change Community Garden on East
Commerce. Originally from Peru, Solis was
part of a group of Palo Alto students who
worked on the already-established com-
munity garden.
The Ranger 18 • Oct. 30, 2009 Editorial
The Ranger, the student newspaper at
San Antonio College, is a laboratory project
of the journalism classes in the Department
of Media Communications, published Fri-
days except during summer, holidays and
examinations.
News contributions accepted by tele-
phone (486-1773), by fax (486-1789), by
e-mail (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the
editorial office (Room 212 Loftin Student
Center). Advertising rates available upon
request (486-1765).
The Ranger is a member of the Texas In-
tercollegiate Press Association, the Associ-
ated Collegiate Press, the Texas Community
College Journalism Association and the As-
sociated Press.
Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, stu-
dents and community members are wel-
come to contribute guest viewpoints of up
to 450 words.
Writers should focus on campus or cur-
rent events in a critical, persuasive or inter-
pretative style.
All viewpoints must be published with a
photo portrait of the writer.
Letters Policy: The Ranger invites
readers to share views by writing letters
to the editor. Space limitations force
the paper to limit letters to two double-
spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be
edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel
and length. Editors reserve the right to
deny publication of any letter.
Letters should be mailed to The Ranger,
Department of Media Communications,
San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave.,
San Antonio TX 78212-4299.
Letters also may be brought to the news-
paper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student
Center, e-mailed to sac-ranger@alamo.edu
or faxed to 486-1789.
Letters must be signed and must include
the writer’s printed name, classification,
major, Social Security number and tele-
phone number.
For more information, call 486-1773.
Single Copy Policy: Because of high
production costs, members of the Alamo
Community College District community
are permitted one free copy per issue.
Where available, additional copies may
be purchased with prior approval for 50
cents each by contacting The Ranger busi-
ness office.
Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who
violate the single copy rule may be subject
to civil and criminal prosecution and sub-
ject to college discipline.
Editor
Jason B. Hogan
Managing Editor
Vanessa M. Sanchez
Calendar Editor
Henry A. Chavarria
Photo Editor
Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle
Photographers
Leda Garcia
Destiny Mata
Photo Team
Andrea Branch, D.A. James,
Henriette Mutegwaraba
Production Manager
Laura Garcia
Production Assistant
Alena Ramirez
Newsroom Assistant
Zahra Farah
Illustrator
Juan Carlos Campos
Staff Writers
Mario Anguiano, Tyler K. Cleveland,
Emilio Davila, Sharon Hensley, Trey Randolph
Web Editor/Circulation
Regis L. Roberts
©2009 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College,
1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All
rights reserved. No part of this publication may be re-
produced without permission.
The RangeR
Laura Garcia
The Ranger Oct. 30, 2009 • 19Opinion
Some experts say the recession is nearly over. But the national unemploy-ment rate is still at 9.8 percent. With so many people out there looking for jobs, you need to think about what will give you the edge after college.
Employers do care about appearanc-es regardless of discrimination laws. The way to stand out from the pack and get hired has less to do with beauty pageant looks and more with what your résu-mé says and how you present yourself. There are ways to get around this unfair hiring practice.
This campus has a multitude of resources for students ready to go into the job market. Go to the Magic Closet and pull out a conservative suit to wear to your interview. It costs nothing and was set up especially to help women in need of business attire. Remember to mimic the style of clothing of employ-ees at the place you are applying. The Magic Closet is on the lower level of the Catholic Student Center, 312 W. Courtland Place. Call 486-0904 or 486-0903 for more information.
But nice clothes won’t be enough to seal the deal. Next, head over to career services in the counseling center on the first floor of Moody Learning Center. Staff there will be able to direct students on where and how to apply for the job they want. The resources there are prac-tically unlimited. Keep going until you get the job.
Still nervous about going after the job you want? Try going to the Peer Educators in Room 120 of Chance Academic Center and talk with the stu-dent advisers about your anxiety. They can help ease nerves and provide a place to vent in case the interviews don’t go as planned. All conversation is confiden-tial. Their number is 486-1448.
Don’t forget to get to know a couple of your professors or visit one that you respected in previous semesters. Make an appointment to talk about your job preferences and concerns. Have them look over your résumé and ask if they would be willing to write a letter of rec-ommendation. Most faculty members will jump at the chance to help a student succeed after college. How do you think they made it in their field of interest? They went after their goals and used all the resources available to them.
No one will hold your hand dur-ing this monumental task in life. But this college gets you pretty far with its immense amount of opportunities. Your job is to have the tenacity it takes to get that job.
As John Quiñones said Oct. 21 on campus: Don’t listen to what anyone tells you. He was discouraged because of his Hispanic accent, but his bilingual skills got him hired at ABC. He’s still there, has earned the respect of his peers and serves as a source of inspiration for others to follow their own dreams.
On Oct. 20, officials of the Alamo Community College District began a push for a phased retirement plan for fis-cal year 2009-10 with a Q&A session with the district’s ben-efits and human resources records manager in Loftin.
Elisa Hernandez explained the details of the plan the board approved Sept. 15.
This is not a retirement plan; it’s a part-time employment plan designed to benefit the district.
With a hiring freeze for any-one below the associate vice chancellor level, the positions occupied by potential retirees will not be filled.
The same amount of work remains to be done, and we’re not staffed sufficiently now.
So maybe after a month, chairs and directors can entice their recently retired employees back at half time and pay.
The hallmark of district employees is being student-centered hard workers. Our employees get the job done.
No one should be surprised if the “retirees” stick around just a few more minutes that can turn easily into a few more hours to keep from leaving their former colleagues swamped.
Report those extra hours and you lose your retirement ben-efits for the month.
In the horrific economic cli-mate that plagues this country and the world as a whole, who can afford that?
Don’t report them and the district won’t have to pay you for them. More savings for the district.
Forget about retiring for now. Wait until the district is ready to make you an offer you can’t refuse. You deserve it.
Opt out of rotten deal
Use campus help to sharpen edge
Book more student entertainersThe office of student
life seldom invites a stu-dent to the stage as part of the Live in Loftin series.
Hawaiian hip hop art-ist Sean City, a music business freshman here, was a refreshing change.
Student life should lend a helping hand to stu-dents, especially because students can be paid out of the student activ-ity fee that all students
contribute to. In addition, our local bands, singer-songwriters, song birds, comedians and dancers could use the experience on stage with a friendly audience.
Tap some of the acts from the upcoming talent show. What better way to entertain students than with the talents of fellow students.
This also will attract
more students to events in Loftin, justifying the expense of hiring acts that only a handful of people see or are subjected to when they grab a quick bite to eat.
Besides, dollars spent on San Antonians gener-ate much more income for the city than if those same dollars are spent on out-of-town acts. These days that’s important.
20 • Oct. 30, 2009 The RangerOpinion
By the
time you
read this,
there will be
only a mat-
ter of hours
until my
H a l l o w e e n
crunch time.
Maybe it
was because I was born with a twin
and on our dad’s birthday in early
December that contributed to my
choosing Halloween as one of my
favorite days.
It may sound selfish, but I never
had a day specifically for me; the
majority of the time, I let my sister
decide or compromised with her
on what we would do to celebrate.
Maybe it was because I have
always loved horror films and
books for the gory scenes. Either
way, I love Halloween.
Halloween is a day I have
always found entertaining and fun
and maintain a mental countdown
for, and it wasn’t just because of the
free candy.
In my house, we celebrated
pretty much every holiday, but for
some reason Halloween was the
one celebration that stuck out for
me. Maybe it has something to do
with the chill and windy fall weath-
er, the scary movies on TV and
the hype from the community, but
there was always something that
started me planning for the next
year by the end of Halloween night.
My siblings and I participated
when it came to carving the pump-
kin and decorating the house.
My parents always had to cut
the pumpkin for us, but as soon as
that stemmed crown was removed,
it turned into a mini party with my
brother and sister at my side dying
to get our hands dirty scooping out
the seeds.
Sometimes, we’d carve a vam-
pire, but usually, we carved a
smirking face, placed a candle in
the center and set it in front of a
window for the world to see.
From that one pumpkin sitting
by the window, I have grown to
love painting faces and designs on
smaller ones and placing those on
the dining room table.
Within the past five years, more
or less, I have invested an easy $60
on those pumpkins and have mul-
tiple plastic pumpkins and several
actual pumpkins.
We never had much light-
ing around the apartment, but it
worked out, providing an eerie feel
inside while cobwebs along with
black and orange paper chains
filled the ceiling’s empty spots.
There was always one rub-
ber bat that hung on the stair-
well between the first and sec-
ond floors that, somehow, was
stolen almost every year. It was
pretty much my family’s signa-
ture that the Halloween season
had begun.
The opportunity to scare peo-
ple with my homemade witch cos-
tumes contributed to my love of
Halloween.
Recently, the children in my
neighborhood have proved to take
a lot more to scare than what I
found scary when I was younger.
By about middle school, I had
to decide if I was too old for dress
up or join the other half of the
population and continue with my
Halloween spirit.
Needless to say, Halloween con-
tinued to be my favorite holiday.
Since then, I have gone through
stages of defining what, to me, is
scary, and how to portray that at
home and in costume.
When I dress up for whatever
Halloween event I attend, I like to
keep my costume versatile.
There is family evidence of me
dressed up as a princess, but for
the majority of my childhood, I was
a witch of some sort.
Today, I think I inspired my peers
with my Halloween fascination.
One of them said that he thinks
about Halloween more because
they can look to me for ideas on
how to decorate. Another said she
is more aware of Halloween mer-
chandise and now considers her
costume before it’s too late to get
one.
Even my Dad, not the biggest
fan of decapitated heads hanging
from the carport, contributes to
how to make the house look more
haunted.
Then there’s my costume to
consider. You won’t catch me
checking out the princess, fairy or
bumblebee costumes unless some-
one else is going to wear them.
I prefer a scary Halloween. I
decorate my house to complement
my costume for a fuller effect for
the children who come trick or
treating in hopes that they will
continue their fascination with the
culture of Halloween.
This witch prefers a merry, scary Halloween
Viewpoint by Vanessa M. Sanchez
Juan Carlos Campos
Journalism sophomore Vanessa Sanchez, then 5 years old, with older brother, Ryan, then
6 years old, pose for a family photo before trick or treating in their neighborhood.
Courtesy Photo
Oct. 30, 2009 • 21The Ranger Opinion
Editor:
Your article titled “Additional financial aid
available” came right on time for me. Besides
being a college student, I am also a mother of
two. I am currently unemployed so any funds I
do receive go toward continuing my education
and taking care of my family.
At the point when the article came out, my
household was in financial distress, and we
weren’t really too sure how things were going
to work out.
Luckily, I like to get a dose of campus news
every Friday from The Ranger.
When I picked up the issue on Oct. 9, I nearly
jumped out of my seat at the sight of the offer-
ing of free money.
Those two words have to be my most favor-
ite words in the world: free and money!
The National Center for Education Statistics
indicates that 50 percent of all college grads
have an average of $10,000 or more to pay
back on their college loans (http://www.finan-
cialaidfinder.com/real-cost-of-student-loans.
html), so the fact that this was a grant that I
wouldn’t have to pay back was appealing to
me as well.
The following Tuesday, I rushed to my high
school (Sam Houston) and requested my tran-
script.
Wednesday, I was able to stop at the finan-
cial aid office where I was able to talk with
Madeline Lester.
She was very friendly and helpful, informing
me that my check would be coming sooner than
I had actually anticipated.
I walked into that office a little apprehensive
about the idea of free money and how easy
everything would be, and walked out with a
huge weight lifted from my shoulders.
The fact that reading an article had such a
big impact on my life prompted me to encour-
age others to read The Ranger and inform them
about the additional financial aid that had
become available.
Just as it has helped me, I am hoping that
someone else will be liberated from the strong-
holds of finances.
Knowing that I will have money coming
soon has eased my mind and helped me to stay
focused on my studies rather than worrying
about my money situation at home.
I appreciate The Ranger for being there to
“hit the nail on the head” and deliver the news
that will have a positive impact on its readers.
Tamara Sayles
Journalism Freshman
LettersReader strikes gold
When I picked up the issue of Oct. 9, I nearly jumped out of my seat at the sight of the offering of
free money.
22 • Oct. 30, 2009 The RangerPulse
By Tyler K. Cleveland
A female student was treated by EMS on the
second floor of Loftin Student Center Oct. 22 for
what her friends said was an anxiety attack.
LVN Josie Noriega of the college health center
declined to comment on the incident but offered
some information about the effects of anxiety and
panic disorders.
“Some may feel it coming, some don’t,” Noriega
said, but there are ways to handle the respiratory
distress without panicking.
Anxiety is the body’s response to stress, which
may be internalized from external forces such as
family and work life, Noriega said. It’s when anxiety
becomes excessive and uncontrolled that it can
become an anxiety disorder or panic attack.
The body responds with an increased heart rate
and respiratory levels, caused by the shortness of
breath and lack of oxygen to the lungs. Tingling of
the arms, cramping and even fainting are some of
the effects caused by anxiety attacks, Noriega said.
Some people report feeling as if they are suffer-
ing a heart attack, she said.
Many patients diagnosed with anxiety and
panic disorders are provided the tools they need
to handle an attack, including medication and
breathing exercises, she said.
If an anxiety or panic attack occurs, Noriega
recommends that students remain calm by breath-
ing in through the nose and out slowly through the
mouth to lower respiratory rates.
Students can visit the health center in Room
119 of Chance to relax until the attack subsides.
“Students don’t have to call 911 first,” Noriega
said, noting that the center can “more or less take
care of the situation.”
The center can be reached by calling 486-0222.
Until help arrives, Noriega said companions
should remind the stricken person about the
breathing technique to calm them.
For more information on anxiety and panic
disorders, visit the Anxiety Disorder Association of
America’s Web site at http://www.adaa.org.
Upcoming gameswomen’s soccer
3 p.m. Oct. 31 @ SACvs. Abilene Christian
3 p.m. Nov. 8 @ SAC
vs. A&M Corpus Christi
3 p.m. Nov. 15 @ Abilene Christian
Nurse: Don’t panic in panic attack
Campus police and paramedics respond to a student
having a panic attack in Loftin Oct. 22.
Destiny Mata
The Ranger Pulse Oct. 30, 2009 • 23
By Tyler K. Cleveland
The Lady Rangers defeated St. Philip’s College Oct. 22,
dominating the Tigers in three of four games in Candler
Physical Education Center.
After trailing by a close margin halfway through the
first game, biology
sophomore Bethany
Watson put her team
in the lead with a
kill at 17-16, and the
Lady Rangers held
off the Tigers to win
25-23.
At the break,
Coach Marisa
Martinez urged her
team to communi-
cate with each other and call out the ball coverage.
But the coach’s words didn’t translate into positive
action — the Tigers capitalized on the miscommunica-
tion and won the second game 15-25.
This prompted a comeback from the Lady Rangers.
Led by the defensive efforts of American Sign Language
sophomore Stephanie Muñoz and a punishing offensive
of kinesiology sophomore Jasmine Faison’s eight kills, the
Lady Rangers coasted to a 25-11 win.
The Lady Rangers “came together and stayed together
through the last game,” Martinez said after winning
25-18. Faison added seven more kills, tallying the most
of any player on the evening.
“We didn’t have energy at the beginning,” Martinez
said.
Communications sophomore Nicole Plata rated the
performance as something to improve upon.
“It was probably our weakest game,” Plata said,
noting that the team lacked cohesiveness. “We need to
establish ourselves as a team.”
They will visit the Palo Alto College Lady Palominos
at 7 p.m. Nov. 5 in the natatorium/gymnasium complex.
The undefeated Lady Rangers were scheduled to play
Northwest Vista College Wildcats at 7 p.m. Thursday in
Huisache Hall.
For more information, call Aaron Tavitas, assistant
coordinator of student leadership/activities, at 486-0134.
Photos by Destiny Mata
Biology freshman Faith Evans blocks a ball by Victoria College. The women’s volleyball team won against
Victoria College Oct. 22 in Candler.
American Sign Language sophomore Stephanie Muñoz returns
the ball against the St. Philip’s College Tigers Oct. 22 in
Candler.
Lady Rangerstame Tigers in volleyball win
Upcoming gameswomen’s volleyball
7 p.m. Nov. 5 @ PACvs. Palo Alto College
7 p.m. Nov. 12 @ SAC
vs. Trinity University
7 p.m. Nov. 19 @ Victoriavs. Victoria College
7 p.m. Dec. 3 @ SPCvs. St. Philip’s College
8 p.m. Jan. 21 @ SACvs. Northwest Vista College
“It was probably our weakest game. We need to establish ourselves as a team.”
Nicole Platacommunications
sophomore
Undefeated team wins three of four
matches Oct. 22.
24 • Oct. 30, 2009 The Ranger
Theater sophomore Ray Seams prepares visitors to
the Bloody Ball, the Onstage Drama Club’s haunted
house, to encounter frightening characters.
Crowd views “corpse” in theater sophomore Ray
Seams’ group trekking through the haunted house.
Theater sophomore Grace George retouches
theater freshman Amanda Villareal’s make up
just before the Bloody Ball’s start.
Theater sophomore Lupe Zapata decorates the haunted
house entrance on the north site of Loftin Oct. 23.
Digital design sophomore Lorlyn
Reeves practices with the rest of
the Onstage Drama Club a few
minutes before opening.
Theater freshman James Bond and business admin-
istration freshman Silvia Aguilar practice dancing
before the first group enters the haunted house.
Theater and RTF sophomore John
Perez and theater sophomore
Barbara Reeves portray a mother
and her murderous daughter.
Bloody BallOnstage Drama Club creates chills and thrills.
Photos by Leda Garcia