t San Antonio ty of Texas a SombrillaSpring 2014 The Universi
Under the Mortarboard Celebrating 100,000 Graduates On the cover: One of the thousands of recent UTSA graduates dis- plays her excitement on her mortarboard at the fall 2013 ceremony. Cover photo: Mark McClendon
On this page: Students celebrate at the fall 2013 commencement. © Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News/ZUMAPRESS.com INSIDE Kicking It A simulator designed by UTSA students boils 12 down the science of football’s perfect kick. Under the Mortarboard Decorating mortarboards has become an unofficial highlight of commencement. As UTSA celebrates 100,000 graduates, meet the individuals behind some of the ceremony’s 16 unique mortarboard stories. Saving the Past In Iraq, two UTSA professors have joined 24 the effort to preserve ancient sites.
The Paseo Community Teaching Let the word 28 Big university’s 4 our future 8 go forth small start The teachers and Professor Ethan Get to know a few of faculty at Forester Wickman turns a the first to graduate Elementary exem- president’s words in 1974. plify the education into music. pipeline. 30 Truckin’ 10 Let’s Circle It Tomato Unlocking One San Antonio UTSA alum Shaun 6 the Cloud middle school is Lee brings the farm- Cutting-edge tech- working with UTSA ers market to you. nologies come and UT Austin to UTSA. to change how 31 Class Notes students are disci- Profile of commu- 7 Rowdy Cents plined. nication studies Students can learn trailblazer Dariela money manage- Roadrunner Rodriguez ’00, M.A. ment techniques 14 Sports ’08; and Generations with this free Sports briefs; plus Federal Credit Union program. a profile on Megan CEO Steve Schipull Low, the softball B.B.A ’89; plus other team’s not-so-secret campus and alumni weapon. news.
spring 2014 Sombrilla 1 I really enjoy receiving the Sombrilla publication. The University of Texas at
Sombrilla San Antonio was a great Spring 2014 school when I attended Volume 31, Number 2 from 1991 to 1995 and it has become an even better The University of Texas LETTERS at San Antonio university over the years. Valerie A. Carrillo ‘95 President Fort Worth, Texas Ricardo Romo
Publisher and Congratulations on the Boomtown, Vice President for amazing and appropriate Texas external relations Marjie French cover of the Fall 2013 Som- I think the long time brilla! I like the shot so much residents should look at the Associate Vice PResident I’ve made it the screensaver impact this will have on the for Communications and on my computer. Thank water supply. Look what Marketing you for the additional “Web fracking has done to other Joe Izbrand exclusive” article explaining communities. how and where this picture Gustavo Rodriguez Associate Editor Flower Mound, Texas was taken. It really is one of Michelle Mondo the best Sombrilla covers I Still Serving design Director have seen--and I have seen Tom Palmer Ms. Lora Tomkins and Loki a lot of beautiful Sombrilla I was very glad to read about William O. Dawson covers over the years. What Photographers Beyond Expectations III ‘10 efforts to help out an impressive new group Patrick Ray Dunn, our veterans. As an alum Sombrilla Spring 2013 of scholars have joined our Mark McClendon and active duty Air Force I have to applaud Ms. take “a special animal” UTSA community! Nice job officer, I am full of pride Contributors Tomkins on her achieve- to be a service animal. of introducing them to us. that UTSA is supporting a Lety Laurel, Cindy Tumiel, ments. Many would have Congratulations Ms. G. D. Ball, PhD, Retired student organization that K.L. Rodriguez, Kate Hunger, expected her and been Tomkins and best wishes Lecturer, Department of supports our vets. After I Lucille Sims Thomas, Judith perfectly fine with her for the future. Management Science & retire and if I move back to Lipsett, Tim Brownlee, Christi giving up on life. The fact Christopher Flees Statistics San Antonio, I will be ask- Fish, KC Gonzalez, Kris that she did not and in Charlotte, N.C. Rodriguez, Jesus Chavez Best cover photo... EVER. ing how I can help out the fact strives for excellence George Briscoe ‘89 Student Veterans Associa- is very commendable. It is Sombrilla Web Designer San Antonio, Texas tion and UTSA’s Veterans Kristina Leh also commendable that Fall 2013 Service Advisory Commit- her companion and pet It looks like an impressive This was a spectacular issue. tee. UTSA, thank you for Web specialist Loki will complete his group of young and youthful You are to be congratulated supporting your vets. Maria Corral service animal training. for putting the University in academics. Do UTSA and Lt. Col. Mark Connell, This is a rather rare feat San Antonio proud! such an exciting spotlight. USAF, ‘95 M.B.A. Sombrilla Magazine because most pets are Kay Robbins, Professor, Enrique H. Trejo M.P.A is published two times Department of Computer not trainable in that ‘06 Austin, Texas a year by the Office Science, UTSA capacity. It truly does of University Communications and Marketing, UTSA, One UTSA Circle, Write Back! San Antonio, Texas 78249. go online! It is mailed without charge to We’d love to hear from you! How alumni, faculty, staff and Need more information? Check out these UTSA websites: do you think we’re doing? Have friends of The University of any comments about the stories Texas at San Antonio. For back issues of To discover ways to Chat with us! Phone: 210-458-6155 Sombrilla, go to give back, go to facebook.com/utsa you’ve seen here? Contact us at Email:[email protected]. utsa.edu/sombrilla giving.utsa.edu twitter.com/utsa [email protected]. Or mail your To be removed from the For campus news Check out the latest sports Go mobile: letters to Sombrilla Editor, Office of Sombrilla mailing list, and events, visit stats and information at utsa.edu/mobileapp University Communications and receive Sombrilla Online utsa.edu/today utsa.edu/athletics Visit us anytime at Marketing, UTSA, One UTSA Circle, only or update address For The Graduate Reconnect with old utsa.edu information, send a message San Antonio, Texas 78249. Letters to [email protected]. School, go to classmates at utsa.edu/graduate utsa.edu/alumni may be edited for length or clarity.
22 SombrillaSombrilla www.utwww.ustsa.eda.edu u PRESIDENT’S NOTE 100,000 Strong
This year’s spring commencement is a wonderful Of course, the story would not be complete without occasion for the UTSA community to pause and an introduction to some of our most recent graduates. celebrate yet another milestone in our university’s his- We get to know about their families, their triumphs tory—the graduation of 100,000 students since UTSA and challenges, and their future as educators, entre- The Sombrilla reflected in the fountain. was established. preneurs and engineers. Forty years ago, the first graduating class of 82 Throughout its history, that’s what UTSA has been students fit comfortably in the frame of a single all about—cultivating the future. Just imagine how that photograph. Today, we couldn’t fit them onto a single future is being changed by 100,000 Roadrunner alumni! stage! That first class may have been small in number, Our students come from around the world, and then but the hopes and dreams of its graduates were just they go out and as large as the aspirations of those who received their remake it. diplomas this May. While 100,000 To mark the occasion of 100,000 graduates, this graduates is a The future belongs to issue of Sombrilla takes us to the past and looks to the great milestone future. It allows us to relive that first graduation, on on the road those who believe in the Aug. 18, 1974, and tells the stories of some who were to Tier One there. With the knowledge and skills they acquired designation, it beauty of their dreams. at UTSA, these graduates went on to achieve great is much more things in their professional and personal lives. In the than just a single —Eleanor Roosevelt process, they have changed the world. achievement for UTSA. It repre- sents a multitude of achievements for every graduate who dared to build a better life and every parent who sacrificed in that pursuit. So on this historic occasion, congratulations are in order for all UTSA‘‘ grads and their families—every class from then to now. Together, we have accomplished more than awarding 100,000 academic degrees. We have fulfilled hundreds of thousands of dreams. And of course, there’s more to come. ’’
Saludos
President Ricardo Romo stands in front of the iconic and now refur- bished Sombrilla fountain. Ricardo Romo
spring 2014 Sombrilla 3 THE PA StrollAS AroundEO Campus A Passion for Teaching Educators in the pipeline By MIchelle MOndo since opening the doors nearly 45 years ago, utsa has produced leaders, workers, activists and educators who continue to impact their communities. the faculty and staff at forester elementary provide just one example.
nside room C104 at Forester Elementary School, the “That shows the impact of what it means to be sending We prepare Dragon Drummers accompany the children’s choir out 500 to 600 teachers a year over all these years,” said a significant Ias they rehearse a song that will be performed at the Betty Merchant, dean of the College of Education and school’s annual fine arts night. Human Development (COEHD). “You get a critical mass number of educa- Veteran teacher Eddie Cavazos sits in a chair surrounded of teachers who are exposed to similar ways of thinking by the young musicians. Fellow teacher Kathryn Stoltz and learning and best practices. They form a very tors. Their com- keeps the beat with a handbell. supportive network with one another and that helps them ‘‘mitment to their “Okay, get ready,” Cavazos tells the children. “Just the stay in the profession.” boys now.” Teachers who graduate from the UTSA COEHD have community is The boys pick up their part while the girls patiently await the highest retention rate after the first five years of their unparalleled. their turn. Stoltz occasionally sings along as she keeps time. employment in public schools, according to statistics Cavazos ’82, M.M. ’92, has been teaching elementary provided by the Texas Education Agency. To work with school in San Antonio for 30 years and still has passion Merchant said the type of educator community for the job. formed at Forester is an example of a new commitment of people who have “I want to be planting the seeds and seeing where it will supporting graduates throughout their careers. that level of take them in life,” he said recently, just before the rehearsal. “We are increasing our focus on working with teachers This spring, the number of UTSA graduates will surpass in the first five years of their career through initiatives commitment is a the 100,000 mark—and many of these grads, including such as those provided by the Academy for Teaching privilege. Cavazos and Stoltz ’06, are continuing the education Excellence,” Merchant said. “We’re really seriously trying pipeline that began when the university first opened, and to follow through with our teachers when they leave. The —Betty Merchant, dean, College of that will continue long into the future. superintendents, the teachers, have a lot to say and have Education and Human Development Stoltz hopes to get her master’s degree at some point, provided advice on subjects like teacher preparation following the path not just of Cavazos but also of Forester and educational psychology.” Vice Principal Nicole Guzman M.A., ‘05. As those in the field provide feedback, the “We have to provide opportunities for [the students] college has added programs and expanded to meet the changing needs of educators. Merchant ’’ to experience music in many different ways,” Stoltz said. “Then they want to be a musician forever. It doesn’t matter pointed to the UTSA autism center, kinesiology and what career field they go into. They’ll always be a lifelong dietetics programs, and a broadened curriculum on musician.” educational psychology as examples. The goal of everyone working at the school, is to make “We prepare a significant number of educators,” sure the kids stay excited about education, whether the she said. “Their commitment to their community is subject is music or math or anything else. unparalleled. To work with people who have that UTSA is a prominent feature in the halls of Forester, level of commitment is a privilege.” including on Wednesdays, the designated alumni Cavazos said he always gets the same surprised day, when staff and faculty can wear university items, reaction when he tells people he’s been teaching for Guzman said. three decades. The fact that his enthusiasm hasn’t waned after all these years is clear at the Thursday
(Facing Page) Eddie Cavazos ‘82, M.M. ‘92, leads students in a re- morning rehearsal. hearsal of the song “Get It Together, Harambee!” in preparation for the And at the end of the session, when they are Forester Elementary School fine arts night. asked who among them wants to go to college, all (L-R) Forester Elementary School Vice Principal Nicole Guzman M.A. ‘05, stands with music photos: Patrick Ray Dunn the young musicians raise their hands. teacher Kathryn Stoltz ‘06 and Cavazos.
spring 2014 Sombrilla 5 —President Ricardo Romo, at the Sept. 24 State of the UnlockingUniversity address the Cloud UTSA students work with cutting-edge technologies By Michelle Mondo
photos: Patrick Ray Dunn
utside the technology world, what’s considered an ex- For the uninitiated, cloud computing allows information to citing development in the field can often go unnoticed. be saved online instead of on a personal storage device such Talk of clouds, servers, stacks and racks may titil- as a computer’s hard drive. The type of system needed to run olate those attending the Open Compute Summit, like the cloud computing as well as the required speed and capacity inaugural one held in fall 2013 at UTSA; but, let’s be honest, to handle growth differs from that used for more traditional as party conversation it may draw blank looks among the storage, Rad said. less tech-savvy. The push for a certification lab in North America came Even so, technology revolutionizes the way we live, and the from the Open Compute Project. The initiative was founded faculty, staff and students of the university’s computer science by Facebook to encourage industry giants to be more trans- department are joining—and even leading—that revolution. parent and collaborate on hardware designs used for cloud “We are partnering with industry leaders to expand our computing. academic and research focus to include the cutting-edge The goal is to improve efficiency and cost while dimin- technologies and the problems that are significant to indus- ishing the amount of energy needed to power the goliath try,” said Raj Boppana, interim chair of the department. data centers the companies require. Facebook, for exam- Plus, with Google Fiber naming San Antonio as one of nine ple, came under fire from Greenpeace for its use of non- cities poised for expansion of its ultra-fast, fiber-optic Internet renewable energy. The company and environmental group service, even more tech businesses could be lured to the re- released a joint statement in 2011 that supported the Open gion, city leaders have said. Compute Project to help find energy solutions needed to Through its Cloud and Big Data Laboratory and with a fo- run such large operations. cus on open technologies, UTSA has Rad said the certification lab works like a quality assur- UTSA tech gets noticed positioned itself to be in the center of ance unit to make sure the standards agreed upon by the proj- the cloud computing evolution, said ect members are met. UTSA sets itself apart by giving students For UTSA tech programs, 2014 was off to a strong Paul Rad, director of the Open Com- the opportunity to work on the certifications and customiza- start. First, in January, the university landed the only pute lab and vice president of re- tions, he added. Open Compute Certification and Solution Labora- search at local company Rackspace. “The hardware ships to us from all over the world for cer- tory—designed to test new technologies—outside Definitions of “open” can vary, tification and cloud solutions, and as a result we have access of Taiwan. but Google describes open technol- to leading-edge technologies before anyone else has the op- In February, industry leaders surveyed by Computerworld magazine ranked UTSA as the top ogies as those that are more trans- portunity to buy [them],” Rad said. “We are funneling this skill school in the nation for cybersecurity and degree parent, adhere to standards already set to the market as well. We are learning it, enhancing it.” programs. set by the computing community or Computer science graduate student Mark Appleby, who The next month, tech giant Raytheon Company help create those standards if they returned to UTSA after getting his bachelor’s degree in 2012, announced a three-year title sponsorship of the do not exist. believes the work he’s done with the certification lab and in National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, an event the UTSA Center for Infrastructure Assur- “We are in an interesting time,” cloud computing will help with job prospects. ance and Security launched in 2005. Rad said. “Everyone is moving to- “We are just getting our hands dirty and seeing how it And in April, the university announced a three- ward the cloud [and] we’re lever- works out,” Appleby said. “I’m really looking forward to what year agreement with Microsoft for sustainable tech- aging this.” we will be doing in the future.” nology research. Microsoft also made a $1 million gift to support research and technology programs.
6 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu by the numbers 15,953 number of “likes” on the UTSA Facebook page on April 10
Rowdy Cents Money management made simple By Michelle Mondo
or freshman Sarah Allen every cent counts. “What we’re FThe 18-year-old nursing student holds down part- time jobs at Sea World and Gold’s Gym to pay for her trying to do is school expenses as well as her other financial responsi- educate students bilities, like her car and insurance. “I did take out a student loan and I’ll have to pay that more about, ‘You back all on my own too,” Allen said. need to think So when she heard about Rowdy Cents—a program that teaches students money management techniques about the money and financial literacy—she knew she had to check it out. you’re taking out Research shows that money and the need to work are the top two reasons people can’t finish their higher education. now and the fact Erika Cox, director of student enrollment services, you are going to said the program covers an assortment of topics includ- ing paying back student loans, finding free activities on be paying it back campus for entertainment, creating a budget and the im- one day.’” plications of credit. “What we’re trying to do is educate students more —Erika Cox, director of student enrollment services about, ‘You need to think about the money you’re tak- ing out now and the fact you are going to be paying it UTSA Student Affairs Transformation Fund back one day,’” Cox said. “The ultimate goal is to teach and the Family Association’s Family Fund, students how to manage their finances.” with the money used to create Rowdy Cents The Rowdy Cents website began as part of the UTSA brochures and expand the visibility of the Graduation Initiative, and Cox said she and her team service, Cox said. have built on that foundation since taking over the pro- For Allen, the advice has been invalu- gram in fall 2012. They are experimenting with social able. She said most of her friends don’t media to help get the word out to students about the pay for their own school expenses, so it was eye- various services offered. opening for some to realize that managing money “We’re in the infancy stage of the program,” Cox said. is important for all students. “[We] started really small with doing different classes, The program has already helped, she said. some on credit basics, others on how to do a spending “I don’t think I would have been able to save Erica Cox plan; writing a good scholarship essay is another one. as much money as I have if I didn’t go to that Slowly but surely we’re trying to do more with it.” meeting,” she said. “I would definitely recommend A challenge is getting students “to be excited about it to everybody.” money,” she said, adding that program organizers have gone to freshman seminars, set up a Facebook page and Web Extra: For more touted the free classes and workshops online. information about this service for UTSA The program received a financial boost from the students, go to www.utsa.edu/moneymatters.
Spring 2014 Sombrilla 7 THE PASEO
by the numbers 10,500 Twitter followers of @UTSA Let the Word ! “Our project is Go Forth meant to create a sense of serenity Turning the words of JFK into song in viewers, like By K.l. Rodriguez that of rolling waves against he assignment for Ethan Wickman, then 37, was rather observe today a celebration of freedom—against chords. a shoreline. The daunting. Then he did the same with another line. light and shadow T Compose a musical tribute to honor the spirit and legacy “You think, ‘I know where this is going melodically and produced by the of a president who was slain 10 years before Wickman was harmonically,’” he said. “And it tells you kind of how the work create born. Arrange the score for an orchestra and 330-member melody needs to bend around the next few sentences.” a natural choir to perform at the National Presidents Day Choral Festi- Wickman did not simply set lines to music. He wrapped phenomena effect. val at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in music around entire paragraphs, notes rising and falling, The light is Washington, D.C. bending and twisting through words that resonate in his- used as a way to Make it strong. tory: Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what associate with a Wickman, assistant professor of music composition and you can do for your country. larger natural theory at UTSA, received the commission in May 2011. He composed the second movement first, selecting pas- environment; the He completed the project in less than two years. sages from speeches on space exploration—We choose to movement creates On Feb. 3, 2013, during the debut performance, the Ken- go to the moon in this decade for knowledge and peace. On a feeling of nedy Center audience erupted in applause after the first of this adventure we embark—and setting them to music. natural waves.” five movements. Wickman followed the second movement with the first. He —Taeg Nishimoto, “It was an electric experience,” Wickman said. proceeded to the third and composed the final two in order. UTSA professor of architecture about a It was a humbling and gratifying experience, as well. The music, from opening note to double bar, covers 23 min- project he completed with Two celebrated composers had been offered the project utes. The words span three years of a truncated presidency. Britta Moe, a Master of before Wickman. One declined. The second backed out The piece soars and dips through touchstones of history: Architecture student, for the X Marks the Art program. after a creative disagreement. The commission came to the call to abolish poverty, the challenge to advance civil The goal of the program Wickman when he was teaching at the University of Wis- rights. Haunting notes lurk in the background, foreshadow- was to transform vacant consin at Eau Claire. ing the Soviet threat and nuclear war. downtown storefronts into galleries for public art. And this spring, a little more than a year after its rousing “Let The Word Go Forth” covers the assassination deli- reception at the Kennedy Center, “Let The Word Go Forth” cately. Wickman composed an elegy as a prelude to the fifth was performed at the UTSA Recital Hall. movement. No words, only music. “I’m excited that I get to bring it back here,” Wickman said. The longer he spent on the project, the closer he drew It took Wickman about a year to compose the five to President Kennedy. Wickman felt his vision, touched his movements of “Let The Word Go Forth.” The entire pro- dreams. He came to know the remarkable gifts and pro- cess took longer, however, and enlightened him in ways found weaknesses of a unique world leader. he had not expected. “He was a very conflicted man,” Wickman said. The research, the composing, the revising and arranging, Composing each movement carried him deep into all of it brought him close to a president he knew only from history. books and photographs. “It didn’t feel like a documentary,” he said. “It felt like flesh Before he put down the first note, Wickman spent months and blood. I understood what it felt like to be alive in that by the numbers poring over Kennedy’s speeches. He studied his inaugu- moment. It was very emotional.” ral address. He discovered oratorical gems on civil rights When unveiled at the Kennedy Center, the piece played 12 and space travel. He read the historic “Ich bin ein Berliner” to a full house. From his box seat Wickman watched the un- number of hours speech, an address to Congress, an inspirational message folding of a spectacular performance. participants dance during the For the Kids Dance on peace. Wickman dug even deeper, studying the works Video of JFK appeared on an overhead screen. Audio of Marathon that had influenced JFK—from the Bible to Shakespeare. the president’s voice accented the production. The orches- As Kennedy’s speeches came to life, Wickman tried to tra lifted Wickman’s spirit. The choir carried him away. As imagine the spirit in which they were delivered. He isolated the sound of music and applause swept over him, the com- oratorical flourishes. He studied rhythm and cadence. As he poser became one with the audience, fully engaged.
did so, melodies formed in his head. He set one line—We “It was powerful,” he said. I nternational M u si c Celebrations c o u rtesy P hoto g raphy, Cade Martin
8 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu Web Extra: Ethan Wickman’s (inset) composition is performed at the To view a presentation of National Presidents Day Choral Festival at the John F. “Let the Word Go Forth,” go to Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. youtube.com/watch?v=abSl6qAQB-w THE PASEO Let’s Circle It How one school could change the state’s discipline landscape
By Michelle Mondo
Students and educators from Ed White Middle School demonstrate a restorative circle.
Photo courtesy of North East ISD, was originally published in Texas School Business ver the past 18 months, the saying “circle it” has become part of the vernacular for students at Edward H. White Middle School.
OBorn from a social experiment to change how North East Independent School District campus the school metes out punishment, “circling it” re- since the start of a unique collaboration with fers to how the students and educators sit in a circle The University of Texas at San Antonio and The and talk to each other as a way of tackling conflict University of Texas at Austin. or disciplinary issues instead of immediately opt- What’s happening is actually a form of restor- ing for an out-of-school suspension or expulsion. ative discipline—something that hasn’t been The term illustrates the progress made at the tried at this level anywhere in Texas.
10 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu “We’ve gotten an unbelievably positive response from Circles can involve a whole class, or just a student and students,” Ed White Principal Philip Carney said. “It’s given teacher or administrators, to name a few examples. The stu- them a voice. They were coming to us and saying, ‘we have dents are encouraged to be truthful about why they might conflict over here and if we don’t work it out, it’s not going be acting out, falling asleep in class, stealing food, bullying to be good.’” or threatening classmates, or just being disruptive. The proactive approach addresses conflict or disrup- The first year began with just the sixth-graders, and over tive behavior by bringing together those involved, talking the course of the three years, another grade level will be about the issue and finding a solution. The hope is that added until all teachers are trained to use the methods. by engaging students, they will be more responsive and The results showed the opening year was “pretty messy,” Ar- responsible for their own actions. And in turn, off-task be- mour said. Restorative discipline is more time-consuming and havior will subside. requires serious com- Outsiders are watching the process closely at Ed mitment from White, and Carney said he has fielded interest from other teachers and ad- “The kids were administrators. The changes there could end up provid- ministrators. ing a roadmap of sorts for other schools in the state or For teachers turning to circles, rather even nationwide. the results were “What I saw was we needed to do something differently,” mixed. Some than ending up in a Carney said. “What we were doing wasn’t working to get us took to the idea to being a successful campus.” more than oth- Carney decided to look into restorative methods after ers. There were situation where all they his wife, who was then a UTSA criminal justice student, concerns about told him about the restorative justice class taught by Robert a lack of sup- can do is fight.” Rico, a retired police officer and lecturer. Carney reached port from admin- —Marilyn Armour, UT Austin professor out to Rico, who in turn sought out Marilyn Armour, a UT istrators in terms of Austin professor and head of the Institute for Restorative Jus- guidance on implemen- tice and Restorative Dialogue, or IRJRD. tation processes, not enough training and the possibility In fall 2012, the middle school embarked on a three-year that students were initially using circles as a way to escape implementation process to move from a traditional punitive a more serious punishment. approach to something more flexible. “It’s a philosophy,” Rico said. “There’s not a manual that Rico, who helped monitor the implementation’s first says how you do it.” year, said that traditional, zero-tolerance policies that Several teachers described a less stressful atmosphere result in high expulsion and suspension rates help feed after using the circles to talk to students about concerns. at-risk students into what has been dubbed the school-to- One teacher documented how the circle helped her level prison pipeline. with her class about standardized testing. A disproportionate number of those affected by these “She really pulled them in, in a partnered way, and used disciplinary policies are minority and low-income students. the relationship to say ‘we’re really in trouble, and we need “There is a correlation to when [students] get expelled to think of some way collectively to move this forward,’” Ar- they are more likely to be involved with the juvenile justice mour said. “And it’s not necessarily that everyone did great, system,” Rico said. “So that’s the cycle we’re trying to break.” but she didn’t come away from it frustrated and despairing.” Web Extra: To view the report, go to The IRJRD is compiling information from each of the The evaluations and teacher feedback utexas.edu/research/cswr/rji three years of the new program, and has released a report will be used to make changes or ad- on the initial implementation. dress concerns. When the process began at Ed White, approximately 82 Even if there are bumps in the percent of the 985 students were economically disadvan- road, Carney, himself a UTSA taged, according to the IRJRD’s year-end report. Fifty-three graduate in 1999, said the col- Meet the percent of students of that class were Hispanic and 30 laboration with the two uni- Talking stick percent African-American. Student performance was well versities has given his school The talking stick is used to get students to open below the state average in passing state standardized tests, an opportunity rarely afforded up and communicate the report said. to other schools: to take on about thier feelings, In the first year of implementation, more students who an ambitious examination frustrations, etc. The may have been subject to suspensions were kept in class of discipline school-wide talking stick for Ed White Middle and off-campus suspensions decreased by 84 percent. in the hope of better serving School is the There were fewer physical altercations between the stu- the staff and students. campus mascot, dents involved as well, Rico said. “We can say all day long the bald eagle. “The kids were turning to circles rather than ending up in that all the students should just a situation where all they can do is fight,” Armour said. “For show up, sit down, and learn the kids it really became another option.” but that’s not reality, it’s not that The students were the ones who created the “circle it” simple,” Carney added. “We need form, which is filled out and taken to a teacher or adminis- to work in reality and live in real- trator to request a circle. ity and teach in reality.” courtesy of Daniel Segura, NEISD 11 Exhibit u I
photos: Patrick Ray Dunn
The Football The Science Kicking Simulation and Human Performance and the Art of Assessment Kicking It By Cindy tumiel
12 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu t is the ultimate clutch play—the last-second kick, with the game on the line. With his team down a point or two, the soli- tary kicker trots purposefully onto the field, the sweetness of victoryI or the bitterness of defeat resting on his ability to make the ball go through the uprights for a field goal. Review
The center snaps the ball, the holder grabs it, the kicker ways to measure each variable. plants one leg and swings the other, and the fans hold their In one embodiment of the simulator, they fit- collective breath as the football tumbles for what seems like ted the ball with accelerometers to measure its In one embodiment an eternity through space and time toward the goal posts. speed as it flies through the air. Rather thanv goalposts, of the simulator, they Sometimes, when the stars align, the ball sails through they projected a computer-generated image onto a the uprights, the referee raises his arms, the fans go wild, screen that contained an array of sensors to collect data fitted the ball with and the kicker is carried off the field as a conquering hero. on height, distance and trajectory and input those vari- But other times, well, the opposite happens. The kick gets ables into a software program. accelerometers blocked or falls short, or the wind interferes, or the kicker’s The goal is to supply kickers and coaches with instant to measure its speed mechanics send the ball sailing off course. The game is lost feedback that will tell them what is happening with a kick- and the lonely kicker slinks off to the locker room. er’s posture and technique during each kick and help the as it flies through the Yusheng Feng, Ph.D., a professor of mechanical engineer- kicker achieve consistency in practice. air. Rather than goal- ing at UTSA, has witnessed the scene any number of times, “The fundamentals of kicking are body mechanics and both as a fan in the stands and as a television viewer in his consistency,” said Perry Eliano, special teams coach for the posts, they projected a living room. He remembers a few heartbreaking missed UTSA Roadrunners football team. “What felt good and what computer-generated kicks that cost his favorite teams a victory. worked? Then do it over and over again. image onto a screen Feng, however, is not a typical football fan. As a scientist “Then, as a kicker, when I get to a game situation, I know and inventor and the holder of two converted and eleven what the perfect kick feels like because I have done it over that contained an provisional patents, instead of wailing in frustration over the and over in training,” Eliano said. array of sensors to loss, he saw the issue as an engineering problem. Eliano and Roadrunners’ kicker Sean Ianno tested com- “I thought, ‘We have to do something to help these ponents of the simulator prototype as the student engineer- collect data on kickers train,’” Feng said. “How do we quantify the com- ing team developed it. They also offered input on other vari- ponents of a kick?” ables that could be measured as the simulator is refined. height, distance Those questions have led to a prototype football kick- While the “perfect kick” is different for every kicker, ing simulator that Feng and his students hope will someday Eliano and Ianno explained, all kickers needs consisten- and trajectory become part of the arsenal of training equipment used by cy in placing their planted foot at the correct angle and and input those vari- high school, college and even professional teams to hone distance from the ball. their kickers’ body mechanics, consistency and accuracy. “At least for me, it is hard to concentrate on more than ables into a software More research funding and more work is needed, Feng said, one thing at a time,” Ianno said. “If I am focusing on placing program. but the basic components are coming together and have my plant foot correctly, something else might be off. The earned praise from a kicker and coach who have tested it. simulator can give immediate feedback so I know what I am “Coaching can be very subjective at times,” Feng said. doing and can correct it. You can look at every perspective “I thought maybe we could come up with a simulator to of every element and figure out what you want to achieve.” give immediate feedback to the kicker to help him im- Then there is the role of Mother Nature. The next refine- Web Extra: prove his training.” ment of the simulator will need to incorporate methods of To view the simulator, visit In 2012, Feng presented some of his preliminary ideas calculating the effect of wind speed, Schaefbauer said. The www.youtube.com/ to UTSA mechanical engineering student Alyssa Schaef- young inventors also plan to add high-speed cameras and watch?v=usWRg1-Mtqs bauer, who was looking for a research project to tackle infrared sensors that can during her undergraduate training. The idea caught her help athletes measure fin- interest, and she worked with a multi-disciplinary team— er elements of their own undergraduate engineering students Cole Meyers, Jacob posture and movement. Analyze Kantor and Michael Lasch; kinesiology undergraduate The students and pro- student Ekow Acquaah; electrical and computer engi- fessor are looking for ad- neering graduate student Aaron Stout and computer sci- ditional funding to take ence graduate student Ehren Biglari. Health and Kinesiol- their idea further. They ogy Professor Sakiko Oyama also later joined the team. have a provisional patentw Like Feng, Schaefbauer is also a football fan. She admits, on their device. though, that she had never thought much about what makes “I would love to see this a kicker succeed or fail. get off the ground,” Schaef- “But now, this was my first engineering project, and I bauer said. “This is the first wanted to go all out,” she said. project I have worked With a grant from the National Science Foundation, on that has gone from a the team analyzed the basic elements of a football kick, thought to a patent, which and put their engineering minds to work, figuring out is really amazing.”
spring 2014 Sombrilla 13 THE PASEO
! Women’s Basketball four home runs during “We’re extremely In Lubomyr Lichonczak’s the stretch, including a competitive. We play first season as head coach, go-ahead two-run shot the game hard, and, Sports Briefs UTSA won its final seven against Texas and earned regardless of who’s non-conference games. It is Conference USA Player of in the other dugout, the longest non-conference the Week honors for her winning streak for UTSA performance. we typically show since a nine-game streak up and give them a spanned over two seasons Women’s Cross Country good ballgame.” from 2006-07 to 2007-08. Led by Nina Herrera’s –UTSA baseball coach fourth-place finish, UTSA Jason Marshall Football captured Conference USA on the team’s spirit. Scott Inskeep and Triston championship in Novem- Marshall spoke about Wade both earned sec- ber, the program’s first the team with ond-team All-Conference league crown since 1996 San Antonio Express-News sportswriter Jerry Briggs USA honors and Codie and sixth overall in school for a March blog Jeff Huehn, UTSA Athletics Brooks was named to the history. It didn’t come with- post at mysa.com. league’s All-Freshman out drama, as the Roadrun- Joel Rubio at a match this season. Team following a 2013 Men’s Tennis matches (five singles/ season that saw UTSA Joel Rubio and Tomas four doubles) at a pair of post a 7-5 overall Stillman debuted at No. tournaments. record and 4-2 mark in 16 in the Intercollegiate league games. Tennis Association Volleyball Eric Soza was selected National Doubles Rank- Head coach Laura Neuge- as one of 16 National ings released Feb. 11, bauer-Groff led UTSA to Football Foundation the highest ranking in both the Conference USA Scholar-Athletes in ad- program history. The regular season and tour- dition to being named duo opened the spring nament titles and to the to the American Foot- campaign with an 8-0 program’s third-ever NCAA ball Association’s Good record as of Feb. 23, Tournament appearance. Works Team in 2013. including a 6-4 upset Senior outside hitter McK- The senior quarterback of Texas A&M’s No. enzie Adams was named also earned first-team 20-ranked tandem of an AVCA third-team All- Capital One Academic Jeremy Efferding and American and Conference All-District VII, C-USA Jordan Szabo on Jan. 25. USA Player of the Year. All-Academic Team and honorable mention all- Women’s Tennis Men’s Golf conference honors and //in brief// Isabelle Jonsson was UTSA captured its second- he was the league’s named Conference USA straight Rice Intercollegiate Spirit of Service Award Jeff Huehn, UTSA Athletics Football team title on Feb. 17-18 games Player of the Week on winner. Nina Herrera runs at the 2013 rescheduled Feb. 4 after winning all in Houston. It marked the Additionally, Nate Ricardo Romo Classic. Roadrunners’ third victory The scheduling of four of her matches (two Leonard became the first three UTSA football doubles/two singles) at the event and 23rd UTSA football student- ners tied Tulsa with 67 games has been against McNeese State tournament championship athlete to earn Capital One points but won the head-to- changed to accom- and UTEP. Miriam Rosell in program history. Academic All-America head tiebreaker, 3-2. modate national Canudas was tabbed C- accolades when he was Emily Perez posted the Men’s Basketball television. USA Player of the named to the second team best individual finish by The season opener UTSA opened its inau- Month last Octo- in December. a UTSA athlete in 17 in Houston will now gural run in Conference ber after winning years and her performance be held Friday, Aug. USA with wins against a total Softball helped lead the Road- 29. The home opener Marshall and Charlotte, against Arizona of nine Under the direction of runners to fifth place at the latter of which was recently was moved first-year head coach November’s NCAA South the Roadrunners’ best RPI to Thursday, Sept. 4, Michelle Cheatham, Central Regional. The win since the 2011-12 and the home game UTSA tied the best start sophomore from Mission season. In addition, UTSA against Southern in school history, 4-0, placed 10th and missed a Mississippi also has topped last season’s which included a win at berth for the NCAA Cham- moved to a Thursday conference win total as a No. 15 Texas. The victory pionships by just two spots. and will be held Nov. member of the Western was the first over a ranked It’s a UTSA best individual 13 instead of Nov. 15. Athletic Conference. Network television team since 2011 and showing at a regional meet information will be the highest-ranked team since Stacey Poole finished announced at a later Phillip Jones drives to score against the Roadrunners have Marshall University. third in 1996. date. defeated. Megan Low hit Jeff Huehn, UTSA Athletics
14 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu M i c h
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Favorite icon: Ellen Degeneres
Favorite activity other than softball Favorite Food: Actually, I love to play all All of my Mamaw’s kinds of sports, especially home cooking! football and basketball.
spotlight Megan Low
By MIchelle MOndo photo: Patrick Ray Dunn unior Roadrunner catcher Megan Low had Conference USA Co-Player of the Week after this She hopes to continue on to graduate school no plans to attend UTSA after graduating high season’s opener. and possibly study sports management, but she Jschool three years ago. The team’s 4-0 streak tied as the best start in hasn’t firmed up any plans yet. Ultimately, she But that all changed when she was spotted school history. It included a 4-2 win against the wants to coach. by Amanda Lehotak, the former head coach for 15th-ranked Texas Longhorns. The Roadrunners Low could end up using her own path to inspire UTSA softball. also swept Lamar in three games. The start was future players. “She saw me play during a tournament in Hous- one the team hasn’t seen since 2006, according to As a student at Spring High School, Low also was ton,” Low said. “She recruited me on the spot. I was Conference USA. a member of the National Honor Society, served as originally going to San Jacinto College.” In the second game of the season, Low tied the student vice president her senior year and graduated It was just three weeks before classes would UTSA single-game RBI record with seven. She hit in the top 8 percent of her class. start in San Antonio. Low, a Spring native, a grand slam and a three-run homer in one inning She won accolades on Spring’s softball team quickly packed her bags and moved to the against Lamar. as well. Still, she said when recruiting time came Alamo City. Her grand slam—followed by one from team- along she was overlooked. The decision is one the kinesiology student has mate Randee Crawford—helped UTSA tie an Just like UTSA did for her, she too would like to never regretted. NCAA record of two grand slams in one inning. help students who may not have risen to the top of “I love it here,” she said. “Just the atmosphere of Low also was named a Western Athletic Confer- the heap. the school. The people are friendly. Athletics is one ence All-Academic Honoree in 2013. The previous “My dream would be to work in a college envi- big family.” year she was named the Southland Conference ronment,” she said. “I’d love to start off at a junior Her time as a Roadrunner has garnered Freshman of the Year and included in the Southland college and take the kids that need (improvement) high praise, including recently being named a Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll. and turn them into that whole athlete.”
springspring 2014 Sombrillaombrilla 15
Student Under the Stories Mortarboard By Michelle Mondo and Lety Laurel
t’s a tradition with roots in the 15th Icentury, when pearls and crystals decorated the caps of scholars who had reached certain heights in academia.
Today, degree programs are represented in a rainbow of tassles. And whether edged in lights, wrapped in fabric or topped with glitter, the flat, square surface of the mortarboard provides an empty canvas for students to share the triumphs, struggles and fun that make up the college experience.
Decorating mortarboards has become an unofficial highlight of commencement. As UTSA celebrates 100,000 graduates, meet the individuals behind some of the
ceremony’s unique mortarboard stories. >>>
photo: Patrick Ray Dunn At the December commencement, thousands of students walked across the stage to get their diplomas. They are an example of those who have come before and the students who will follow. Get to know just a few of them.
18 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu Photos: Mark McClendon, portraits courtesy of Lety Laurel
Anthony Idi B.S., electrical engineering
raduation day was no small event welled up in his eyes. Gfor Anthony Idi and his family. “It was the feeling of finally being done and accom- His grandmother flew in from plishing something that was very difficult and challeng- Nigeria and was joined by more ing,” Idi said. “That was one of the greatest feelings ever.” than 20 other family members and Idi said that high school didn’t prepare him for the friends from various cities, including rigors of university work, so he had to learn good study Chicago and New Mexico. habits and time management, which could be difficult “I was the first in my family to when working to pay for living expenses and school. At graduate from a four-year college,” one point Idi had an overnight job, so even finding time to Idi said. “It was a big deal.” sleep became an issue. He and a friend worked on his The oldest of five, Idi also wanted to be there for his mortarboard before commence- siblings in Houston, whether to show support at a sporting ment. The elaborate design honors event or to help care for a sister with a rare condition that his African roots with red, green, required a lot of hospitalization. yellow, white and black stripes. “My parents, they work so much,” Idi said about his The gears symbolize his love of engineering, and mom and dad, who are both licensed vocational nurses. he gave a gold glitter shout-out to his fraternity, Alpha Phi Idi felt he couldn’t fail them or the rest of his family. Alpha. And of course, he needed a roadrunner. In July, he will begin his new job at Microsoft in After walking the stage and getting his diploma, tears Washington, D.C. >>>
spring 2014 Sombrilla 19 Sajeda Atari M.A., education thirst for knowledge and as graduation day approached she decided she wanted to Abrought Sajeda Atari to honor her ancestry. She attached two small Palestinian flags to the United States to continue the top of her mortarboard. her graduate studies. “I love Jordan and I was born and raised there. I have my “Education in the U.S. is friends and family there,” Atari said. “But knowing I can’t go to really advanced,” Atari said my country of origin, it’s really hard. It feels like it should be my at the ceremony. “Although choice. I carry my country in my heart. I felt I should carry it I got my master’s in Jor- with me this day.” dan, it’s not enough. I felt Keeping heritage alive became the basis for Atari’s gradu- I needed to expand my ate project. She studied how Arab immigrant mothers can help experience.” their children maintain their language. A friend who already For Atari, studying outside of Jordan has opened up a was a graduate student at whole new world. UTSA encouraged her to “I’m a completely different person,” she said. “Now I have apply, especially because so much that I’m taking back with me. I hope to share with my Atari wanted to study early colleagues.” childhood education. In March, Atari said via email from Jordan that after return- Sadly, that friend left ing with her degree she became the director of the Social De- San Antonio before Atari velopment Training Center at ZENID, a nonprofit that promotes arrived. learning for development. “I came all by myself,” Atari said. “It was very challenging She’s also creating up-to-date training materials, she said. at the beginning. However, I was blessed to spend an amazing The English immersion at UTSA also came in handy when time discovering San Antonio with some great friends that I she returned to work and gave two separate high-profile pre- have met at UTSA.” sentations—one was for Germany’s first lady and the other for Atari earned her second master’s degree in 15 months the UNESCO director general.
20 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu Forrest McCord B.S., kinesiology y the time Forrest McCord graduated from high school, Bhe already wanted a break from the hobby that had become a profession. The world champion pistol shooter had just helped the United States junior team win a gold medal in Bali at the 2008 International Practical Shooting Confederation World Shoot XV. He was even offered a spot on the elite U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning in Georgia. Still, McCord realized he wanted to do something Daisy Rios different. B.A., sociology “I turned them down so I could get my degree,” he said. He didn’t have a lot of time to focus on marksmanship rowing up, Daisy Rios often looked up to the social workers while also earning his bachelor’s. But during his junior Gwho helped her through trying times. year he did have a stint on the History Channel competi- She was in a mentorship program at her Houston high school tion show “Top Shot.” and thought that when she got older she too wanted to be a men- “I missed it so much,” McCord said. “It was a huge part tor. Now that she has graduated, she’s working at Child Protective of my life.” Services in San Antonio. She plans to stay here to get her master’s The Houston native began shooting at age 13 when his degree in social work. mother took him to a gun range for the first time. Calling it Rios was the first in her family to graduate from college, so his “niche,” McCord said he had a fascination with shoot- the December ceremony was met with jubilation by her family. ing and pistols that quickly became his strength. “They were extremely proud, especially my grandmother,” Walking across the stage to receive his diploma signi- Rios said. “And they were excited when they saw my mortar- fied the end of his shooting hiatus. So, McCord spent a few board. They thought it was very cute.” hours the day before carefully crafting the pistol motif that When Rios found a photo of a Latina woman that was a play covered his mortarboard. on the traditional Rosie the Riveter icon, she knew it was perfect. He had temporarily given up shooting to earn his “I’m really in touch with my culture,” Rios said. “It’s a mes- degree; graduating meant that he could get back to the sage to Latinos. You can do it, because I did it. It’s possible.” career he said he was meant to have. She said she wants to help people the way she was helped In March, McCord was waiting for his military paper- in the past, and especially hopes to focus on minorities who work to be completed. He said he hopes to become an lack resources. Army ranger. “Education is a way out of poverty,” Rios said. >>>
spring 2014 Sombrilla 21 Bryan Alexis Barahona B.A., psychology uring his years at UTSA, Bryan Barahona would go over finances every Dmonth with his mother during a phone call to their Houston home. They would add her disability check—her only income—to what he made working on campus. Anything else that came from other family members, like Barahona’s uncle or grandmother, was also included. “We tried to figure out my rent, plus car and bills and all the stuff she needed on her end,” Barahona said. “I don’t know how we did it. A lot of my family helped, too.” The group effort definitely made a difference for Barahona—an only child raised by a single mother from Honduras who worked at a retirement home until she had to go on disability. Like other graduates, Barahona used his mortarboard as a blank canvas to honor the family and friends who sup- ported him. Since her birthday was two days before the fall ceremony, Barahona marked the occasion on his mortarboard and thanked her for all of her help. Although, he said, the “T” did fall off the message at some point. With or without that letter, however, for the woman who was always there for him, the meaning was clear.
Gina Solorzano, B.A., multidisciplinary studies
ike many of her fellow graduates, Gina Solorzano wanted to L show her mother how much she appreciated all of her support. “My mom always told me, ‘You go, girl’ when I was growing up,” Solorzano said. She decided that the phrase used to encourage her through major tests, sporting events or stressful days would be the way to thank her mom. With bright pink glitter, white crystals and leopard print fabric, Solorzano made sure her mother could pick her out in the crowd. “It took about three hours and many blisters,” Solorzano said. “And fighting with that glue gun.” She still had glue stuck to her nails when she made her way to her seat at the Alamodome. “My mom was not only my support system through college but my Web Extra: best friend,” Solorzano said, adding that her mom often made the trip To view more profiles of UTSA from Marble Falls to pamper her when she felt down or stressed out. graduates, go to “She was my backbone and my financial support. We talked utsa.edu/commencement/spotlight every day, and she always made sure I was staying on the right path to success.” Solorzano, who focused on Spanish, business and communica- tion for her multidisciplinary degree, is definitely on that path. She has moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a new job.
22 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu spring 2014 Sombrilla 23 Saving the Past from a Modern World The challenge of Historic Preservation By Michelle Mondo and Lety Laurel
Amid armed conflict, bombardment, theft, and damage from military occupations, conservationists struggle to protect Iraq’s more than 10,000 heritage sites. They must also contend with the natural corrosion to both the physical and ancestral that comes with the passage of time. Now, UTSA has joined the effort to help preserve these historic areas.
A statue of Mubarak Ben Ahmed Sharaf-Aldin 24 marks the main entrance to the citadel. The Citadel of Erbil was settled more than 8,000 years ago and remains inhabited.
The challenge of Historic Preservation
way from the ongoing violence that usually domi- out around Erbil. There’s even a burgeoning luxury hous- nates headlines about Iraq sits Erbil, the nation’s ing market. The Arab Council of Tourism also named the Afourth-largest city and the Kurdistan capital. The city as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2014. autonomous region has become known not just for its How to embrace the future without forgetting, or de- current political stability but also as an up-and-coming stroying, the past is a challenge faced by conservationists tourist destination. worldwide, and attention has already turned to Erbil. And at the heart of Erbil is the ancient citadel, believed So when UTSA College of Architecture professors Wil- to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements liam Dupont and Angela Lombardi were invited to take in the world, tracing its origins back to at least 6000 B.C. part in a program of training seminars in Erbil focusing on But growing prosperity in the northern Iraq region heritage preservation, they were eager to participate. has led to increased demand for the accouterments of “The historic cities are very complex, because we have modern society. these very ancient sites and at the same time we have the An influx of oil money and young professionals has new developments, and there is no integration between helped change the landscape, with urban sprawl fanning [them],” Lombardi said. >>>
spring 2014 Sombrilla 25 (Left) Visitors often pose for photos at the statue of poet and historian Mubarak Ben Ahmed Sharaf-Aldin, who was born in the citadel and became Erbil’s minister. Photo by Yash Senturk, cypnet.co.uk
(Right) Arches were used throughout the Erbil citadel’s historic architecture. Photo courtesy of the Center for cultural sustainability
Dupont, the director of the UTSA Center for Cultural the agency brought experts from around the world including Sustainability, is also the university’s San Antonio Conserva- the United States, the U.K., Lebanon, Italy and Germany. Ack- tion Society Endowed Professor. Lombardi, who hails from erman spoke in March at UTSA about WMF projects world- Rome, Italy, and received her doctorate from the University wide, including the work Dupont and Lombardi did in Iraq. of Rome, specializes in the preservation of masonry facades “I think that what’s happening in the Kurdish region is that and traditional construction techniques. there’s a tremendous awareness of the value of heritage,” she With the program now in its second year, Lombardi said. “If you leave the city and drive out into the surrounding will make her fifth visit to Erbil this summer; Dupont has countryside, there are pristine landscapes and thousands of visited twice. archaeological sites.” The professors joined an international group organized Under Saddam Hussein the population was mostly cut off by World Monuments Fund (WMF) to train Iraqi heritage from the outside world, and now the local conservationists professionals to conserve and manage their heritage are playing catch-up. Ackerman said the goal was to share sites. Both Erbil’s citadel and Babylon—one of information with Kurdish and Iraqi conservationists about the most important archaeological sites in the international standards and procedures, as well as ways that world—are under consideration for nomina- other countries and cities approach preservation. tion to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, “I think that they understand that they were isolated from according to WMF. the international heritage conversation community and are Lisa Ackerman, eager to connect with colleagues,” Ackerman said. “Our executive vice presi- training courses are windows into what everyone else is do- dent and chief ing in conservation. We really emphasized the experiences operating of people who worked extensively in the region.” officer of Dupont and Lombardi spent most of their first visit in 2013 WMF, said in the classroom. They had 10 students—archaeologists, his- torians and engineers. Four were Kurdish and six were Iraqi, so the professors needed two interpreters to simultaneously translate their lectures into both Kurdish and Arabic. Dupont was able to relate the situation in Erbil to that of the local quest to get San Antonio’s Spanish missions named as a World Heritage Site. “The students were very eager to learn international standards and understand them,” Dupont said. “We learned a lot about what their top concerns were. At Babylon, one of the biggest concerns was with local farmers who were con- stantly seeding, plowing and working the fields where there are archaeological resources.” One of the challenges, Lombardi said, was figuring out a way to address the interests of all of the students, since the younger Kurds were “a lot less focused on technical issues [than on] cultural issues, tourism, management. On the other side, the people from Babylon were very interested in all the technical issues; the communication, assessment and conservation.” The professors did get to visit some sites, includ- ing the citadel. Called a “tell,” which means an occupied mound, the citadel has been built upon over multiple centuries, Dupont said. The mound rises to about 30 meters, or nearly 99 feet, according to the High Commission for Erbil Citadel Revitalization. “It’s walled, so right in the center of the city there is this gi- ant fortress that just rises up with very high walls around it,” he explained. “It is very impressive.” Erbil Syria
Iran
Baghdad iraq
(Above) Restoration work was in progress at one of Erbil’s historic sites. (Below) The minaret of a mosque that is at the base of the citadel.
The work at the citadel is extensive. Thousands of people who lived in what had become an impoverished area were evicted. Restoration will include adding basic services such as sewer and water lines, and the citadel will likely become more upscale. “It was a fabulous opportunity to get involved in a place we would not otherwise get an opportunity to go,” Du- pont said. “Travel there is very difficult. Even for Iraqis traveling in their own country, it’s not safe.” Whether Lombardi and Dupont could stay safe became the key to participating in the program at all. University insurance doesn’t cover travel to Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran. The university’s Office of Inter- national Programs and Department of Environmental Professors Angela Health, Safety and Risk Management hustled to get Lombardi (far left) and William Dupont all the necessary permission and paperwork. have now visited Erbil John DeLaHunt, risk and life safety manager in multiple times. the environmental health, safety and risk manage- ment department said that he and his colleagues at UT System had about three weeks to convince This trip is about the insurance company that going to Erbil wasn’t a bad decision. “This trip is about training architects and training architects and archaeologists all across the Middle East how ‘‘ to preserve their heritage,” DeLaHunt said. archaeologists all across “Really, it’s our heritage too. It’s Mesopo- tamia. And the bonds they are making are healing the damage of war.” the Middle East how to Dupont, too, saw the training as a way to give back. preserve their heritage. “Some of their sites have been exposed and un- protected and specifically damaged by activities that Really, it’s our heritage have happened in the war on terrorism, and not just by American forces but by coalition forces,” he said. “I think people wanted to do their part to help make too. It’s Mesopotamia. the situation better in Iraq.” In her return visits, Lombardi has seen the stu- And the bonds they are dents in the first class graduate from the program. She reviewed the work they had created, and participated in the graduation ceremony. making are healing the “I think, and I don’t want to be immodest, but we did a good job,” Lombardi said. “The second damage of war. time that I went there in June, everybody was more relaxed. The students really showed they were —John DeLaHunt, UTSA Risk and Life Safety Manager very interested, very involved and very eager to learn and be updated. So, from a professor’s point of view, it was a great experience.” ’’
spring 2014 Sombrilla 27 COMMUNIUniting ourT alumnYi
The first graduates walked the stage on Aug. 18, 1974. (Facing page far right) The first graduat- ing class stands for a portrait.
28 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu Small Start for a Big University
As the university reaches 100,000 graduates, we take a look at the first //in brief// class to earn their UTSA diplomas at the inaugural commencement Flowing Fountain ceremony Aug. 18, 1974 The 35-year-old foun- tain in Sombrilla Plaza By Michelle Mondo is flowing once again following extensive renovations. fter Gaston Kent received his di- “He had two chairs in the room,” 2012, about two years after the death The fountain was ploma, his wife gave him a con- she said. “And a telephone sat on one of her husband, Rev. Canon Dr. Roy turned on Jan. 10, gratulatory kiss. The graduation and he sat in the other. I thought, ‘Oh J. Enquist. The two were married for and a re-dedication A ceremony was held signaled a new start for the couple. my goodness, what have I gotten my- 57 years. March 4 at the Main “It felt really good because I was self into?’” Now 85, Enquist is back to languag- Campus. just getting out of the Air Force and What she got was a professor who es—Latin, Greek, French, German The fountain is now headed to California for a new job,” stood behind her goal of one day be- and Spanish. She currently is teaching fully sustainable and uses only reclaimed English as a second language classes Kent said in a phone interview from coming a school principal, something water from the air his home in Los Angeles. “It was a very that in the 1970s was not that common at the Washington National Cathedral, conditioning systems exciting time.” for a woman. which is within walking distance of her in the neighboring It was Aug. 18, 1974. And the Kents’ “He said, ‘We’ll work up a plan, and home and where her husband was in- buildings. Students excitement was shared not only by the you’ll become one,’” Katz added. stalled as canon in 2000. proposed the idea and now the fountain will other graduates and their families, but Katz did just that, and eventually Gaston Kent’s new start at the not strain the water also by all who had worked to bring a worked her way to becoming a super- Northrup Grumman Corp. in 1974 supply. state-funded university to San Antonio. intendent, as well. As a UTSA graduate turned into a nearly 40-year career. On that afternoon, Kent was one of who was there from the beginning, she He is now president and chief execu- 82 students to become the first gradu- knew that the school would need a tive officer of the John Tracy Clinic, a ates of UTSA. That commencement, strong alumni association to grow into nonprofit agency that helps families of which took place nearly 40 years ago, what everyone hoped it would. So she infants and toddlers who have hearing stands in stark contrast to recent cere- and several students launched the as- loss. The agency serves about 25,000 monies that pack the Alamodome over sociation that is now housed in an of- families each year, according to its the course of a weekend. fice named in her honor. website. Even though the campus hadn’t In 2012, Katz committed $1 million He may not have put down roots in by the numbers been completed and classes were held to create an endowed alumni fund. San Antonio, but Kent still feels a con- at the Koger Center, a business park off Not all of the first UTSA graduates nection to his alma mater. Loop 410, that first graduation had a attended the ceremony. Mia Enquist “Being at the forefront, it felt pretty 1,400 books bought at the UTSA celebratory feeling above and beyond was one of those who opted out of the good,” Kent said. “There weren’t that Bookstore for the first the usual pomp and circumstance. event. Having a master’s degree in bi- many in the M.B.A. class. We learned classes held in 1973 The university’s president, Peter T. lingual education was enough to move to work together as a fairly small group, (Aug. 1973 Texas Times) Flawn, signed the first diploma as it her forward on her road to teaching lan- and I remember thinking, I’m really rested on the back of Texas State Rep- guages, she said. After UTSA, she went lucky, because if I had gone to a really resentative Frank Lombardino, a nod to on to the University of Texas at Austin big school it would not have felt quite the signing of the bill that created the to earn her doctorate in languages. the same.” tion c school, according to UTSA archives. As a student, Enquist didn’t get to mingle much, given her harried olle The diploma was then awarded to Susan Bolado, who was receiving her schedule as a wife, mom and M.B.A. after graduating in 1973 from teacher. arrera c Texas State University, then Southwest “I was tired all the time,” Texas State University. Enquist said, chuckling. “We res Gil B Gil res u An hour later, the ceremony ended. had three children, and I was u lt A light breeze kept the August sun from commuting from Seguin to San being too hot as everyone mingled and Antonio, so my plate was full.” exan C f T mariachis performed at the reception. The family eventually te o Yvonne Katz, M.A. in education ad- moved to Washington, D.C., u ministration, recalls fondly nearly all where Enquist, then in her 50s, nstit of her time at the university, including took a detour from languages to first registering with her lead professor, finance, starting her own busi- rtesy I u o Wayne Laughery. ness. That business closed in fall hoto c P Spring 2014 Sombrilla 29 community ay Du nn c k R ay atri P
//in brief// Economic Impact The UTSA Institute for Economic Develop- ment generated $1.6 billion in business growth for its clients during the 2013 fiscal year, the group reported. The growth includes $1.26 billion in increased sales, con- tracts and exports as well as $350 million Truckin’ Tomato in new capital. The institute pro- Alum Puts Farmers market on wheels vides professional business advising, By Kate Hunger training, research and strategic planning services to entrepre- neurs, business own- hat has wheels, is loaded with the only student from the group to nur- among other services. ers and community fruits and vegetables, and funds ture the plan into an actual business. “We’re going to drive revenue to leaders. W It is the second con- social services for San Antonians look- “To be honest, I had no inclination them so they can feed hungry families secutive year the in- ing to improve their lives? to start a business when I went into it,” on the West Side,” Lee said. stitute and its clients The answer: Truckin’ Tomato, a he said. But the experience “awakened Megan Legacy, executive direc- have exceeded the $1 mobile farmers market packed in a an entrepreneurial spirit in me.” tor of CHRC, said the support from billion threshold. 26-foot trailer set for its debut in April. Lee, who has worked with Haven Truckin’ Tomato will help her organiza- It will feature high-quality fresh fruits for Hope for six years and has served tion diversify its funding and raise the and vegetables, bakery items, snacks as its executive vice president since 30-year-old agency’s profile. and juices from local farms and food 2012, had been encouraged by men- “He has a big heart, and I think he producers in the San Antonio-Austin tors to round out his expertise with a strategically wants to move the needle area, and will make it easier for people master’s degree. He decided to enroll in the community,” she said of Lee. who might not be able to squeeze in a at UTSA, earning his E.M.B.A. in 2013. Lee said the majority of the $90,000 visit each week to their local farmers As someone who has dedicated his startup costs for Truckin’ Tomato were market, said Shaun Lee, the company’s career to working with the homeless to covered by fundraising efforts, includ- chief executive officer and founder. improve their lives through education ing a $50,000 grant from the 80/20 The trailer will make regular appear- and job opportunities, Lee wants the Foundation and an online crowdsourc- ances at The Point Park and Eats, off new venture to be an extension of that ing campaign. Boerne Stage Road, and at businesses philosophy. The message of the business will such as Rackspace, the Weston Centre “I also have a real heart for people be included on the trailer’s signage and Vision Works. Lee hopes to eventual- who need a second chance as far as and in pamphlets given to customers Web Extra: ly be at special events such as marathons. employment goes,” he said. “Meaning- at checkout. Lee said customers won’t To view a video about Shaun Lee’s enterprise, go to Lee and a group of fellow students ful work creates identity for people. If be moved to patronize the mobile mar- www.truckintomato.com in the UTSA Executive M.B.A. program they are able to go back to work, it re- ket simply to support a charity, but be- created the Truckin’ Tomato business ally restores their hope and dignity.” cause they will be getting high-quality plan as their capstone project. He was The business is a social enterprise, products. Lee said. In addition to offering train- The trailer’s daily location will be ing and jobs for Haven for Hope cli- updated online and via social media. ents, it will send more than half of Lee sees more trailers in the compa- the profits from the first truck to the ny’s future, perhaps bolstered by an Christian Hope Resource Center, a online pre-ordering system. faith-based nonprofit that uses a case- “We’re kind of viewing this as a pi- management model to work with peo- lot,” he said. “We think that San Anto- ple experiencing food insecurity. The nio could easily support at least three organization also offers a food pantry, or four trailers.”
30 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu class notes
lead a staff of more than 1977 100 engaged in research, \\ FIDEL RODRIGUEZ JR., development and testing in M.B.A., has been named 2014 electronic, mechanical and Aggie Lawyer of the Year by the chemical engineering; radio Texas Aggie Bar Association. frequency; optics; acoustics; He currently runs a law and sensor design. He was office in San Antonio. He is a previously director of the 1973 graduate of Texas A&M Electronics Systems and University and also obtained his Robotics Department. Bennett law degree from UT Austin. The holds a bachelor’s degree in association honored Rodriguez electrical engineering from in March. the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a member of 1982 the Audio Engineering Society. \\ RICHARD DES CHENES, B.A. in geography, recently 1995 published the second edition \\ VALERIE A. CARILLO, of his book “The Insignia, B.A. in political science, is Uniforms & Equipment of the chief legal counsel for the Fort Photo: Ashland University/Allison Waltz U.S. Army Balloon Corps: 1917- Worth Independent School 1922.” He is a leading expert on District. After graduating from the World War I Balloon Corps Texas Tech University Law There’s a code for that and became interested in the School in 1998, she served subject because his grandfather as in-house counsel at Dallas Dariela Rodriguez ’00, M.A. ’08 was assigned to Camp John Independent School District. Wise in San Antonio, where the Her peers nominated her as On April 15, 2013, when two bombs The university recruited top schol- Army trained balloon pilots and a “Top Attorney in Education exploded during the Boston observers. Law in the City of Forth Worth” ars from across the nation to teach the for 2013. Marathon, rapid communication classes, and with a projected 24-percent was paramount. The job of growth in employment of health and risk 1990 imparting information to the communication professionals by 2018, \\ DENISE SIKES, B.B.A. in 1996 public fell to law enforcement, management, was nominated \\ DARRELL COLLEY, B.A. the timing is impeccable. for the DallasHR 2013 Human in criminal justice, received the health officials and even local The program garnered attention from Resource Executive of the Year Outstanding Graduate Award, marathon organizers. agencies such as the Centers for Disease Award. She currently is the vice M.P.A., on Dec. 6, 2013, from Making that process better and Control and Prevention and student president of human resources Wayland Baptist University. at CyrusOne, a co-location \\ MARISOL PEREZ, B.A. more efficient is one of the goals of interest from India after the program solutions provider. DallasHR in political science, serves UTSA alumna Dariela Rodriguez, who was promoted in the Journal of Risk and is a nonprofit association with as secretary of the board for is helping to combine health, risk and Crisis Communication out of London. nearly 2,000 members and the Martinez Street Women’s As she makes a name for herself at more than 1,000 companies Center. Perez received her law crisis communication studies into one represented in its membership. degree from St. Mary’s School program at Ashland University in Ohio. Ashland, Rodriguez said she cherishes \\ BLAKE POUNDS, M.B.A of Law, where she received the Rodriguez, an assistant professor of the time she spent at UTSA and hopes to in interamerican management, Richard Green Spirit of Social communication studies at Ashland, has return one day as a professor. was recently appointed Justice Award in recognition to managing director of of her clinical work on behalf been integral in revamping the commu- Rodriguez earned her bachelor’s Accenture’s Houston office. He of low-income people in San nications curriculum and creating Health degree in 2000 and a master’s in com- will lead a staff of approximately Antonio and South Texas. and Risk Communication programs at the munication in 2008. She completed her 1,500 and oversee developing graduate and undergraduate level. doctorate at the University of Oklahoma. local business relationships, expanding civic presence 1998 “We looked into health communica- Rodriguez said the idea of what safe and fostering employee \\ JEFF TEMPLE, B.A. in tion issues, [and] risk and crisis com- means and how safe we are has changed engagement. He has been psychology, has been named munication issues and pulled a program since the Sept. 11 attacks on the World with Accenture for 23 years, vice chairman of the Texas together—where most of these are Trade Center and the Pentagon. No lon- including leading the Energy Health and Human Services Trading & Risk Management Commission Task Force on usually separate,” Rodriguez said. ger are concerns about risk and safety Practice for five years and Domestic Violence, the result The Master of Arts program is online- communication under the exclusive serving on the Energy of legislation signed into law in only, making it the first of its kind in the purview of governmental officials, the Leadership Team. 2013. The law calls for measures nation, Rodriguez said. It will launch this San Antonio native said. to examine and address the impact of domestic violence summer and Rodriguez couldn’t be more “Everybody needs to understand 1994 on the health of women and excited. how to communicate risk now,” she \\ KENNETH H. BENNETT children during pregnancy. “We decided to do [online courses] added. “Your sports team needs to un- JR., M.S. in electrical He currently is an associate basically because we wanted to be able derstand how to communicate risk. If I engineering, has been professor and director of promoted to vice president of behavioral health and research to give as many people as possible the go to my rec center here at Ashland and the Applied Physics Division at UTMB. >>> opportunity to try to benefit from the I pass out—there’s a code for that.” at Southwest Research program,” Rodriguez said. —Lucille Sims Thomas Institute, where he will
spring 2014 Sombrilla 31 communitycommunity
by the numbers 2002 \\ Roland Rios, Ph.D. in educational 47,574 leadership, is the director LinkedIn members who of technology at Fort Sam list themselves as UTSA Houston ISD. alumni. 2003 \\ SANTIAGO ALANIZ, B.A. in political science and criminal justice, has been promoted to partner with the law firm of Fisher & Phillip, LLP. Santiago also was selected as one of San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 under 40. \\ AARON K. PARENICA, B.S. in civil engineering, has been promoted to vice president of the Phoenix office of Bury, an engineering and design firm. Du nn c k R ay atri 2006 photo: P \\ PHAN TONG, B.S. in biology, went on to Texas Banking with a heart A&M College of Pharmacy Steve Schipull B.B.A ’89 and in 2011 graduated with a PharmD. He is currently pursuing an M.B.A. from The values of hard work and the University of Missouri, way. I’m not a big ego, UT Pan American and is a caring for others are lessons Schipull joined his parents politics kind of guy. I be- candidate for graduation that Generations Federal in Austin. Later, he and lieve the work should prove this spring. He’s now Credit Union President and his wife settled in San An- the worth of the person and //in brief// assistant manager at CEO Steve Schipull learned tonio, and he enrolled at also how well you work with Diploma Dash Scott & White Center for while growing up on his UTSA to study accounting. the team.” hits 30 Diagnostic Medicine- Pharmacy, in Temple. A family’s farm. He also worked as a bank GFCU held about $175 On March 1, more “I don’t think we even had teller full time, earning his million in assets when Schi- than 2,100 runners fervent football fan, he has turned out for been a season ticket holder a stoplight,” he said of Gold- B.B.A in 1989. pull first came on board, the 30th annual since the first UTSA season. field, Iowa, where his family Schipull’s first job after he said. As of the end of Diploma Dash. raised cattle and pigs, and college was as an auditor February, that had grown to The 5K City grew vegetables. “You could for what is now Bank of $475 million. Championship race 2012 drive right through.” America. He stayed with “Maybe we’ll get [to half helps fund alumni \\ KRYSTAL CANTU, programs, services B.A. in communications, The fourth of five siblings that organization for 10 a billion] this year,” he said. and scholarships. was featured in the Dec. learned about the impor- years, moving up to increas- “We’ve got some pretty ag- The course takes 27 issue of the San Antonio tance of family when one of ingly challenging assign- gressive growth goals.” runners through Main Express-News for being his brothers was diagnosed ments, including a five-year Geraldine Breeding, CFO Campus and medals a fitness inspiration. The are awarded in a vari- with a brain tumor. Multiple post in Japan, where both of GFCU, has worked with Rackspace employee lost surgeries and ongoing treat- his children were born. Schipull during his entire ety of categories. her arm in an auto accident but continued doing ment compelled Schipull’s In 1999 Schipull joined tenure at the credit union. CrossFit. Shortly after the family to move out of state GFCU as senior vice She said his positive attitude accident, she was invited to and back several times to president of finance and and “employee-centric” fo- Virginia to compete in the be near specialists. Schipull technology, becoming chief cus enrich company culture Working Wounded Games matured at a young age as a financial officer when the and boost morale. for people with disabilities, result of those challenges. credit union adopted a new “I enjoy coming to work and took part in the “I basically took care organizational structure in because of him,” she said. by the numbers Gladiator Rock ‘n’ Run. \\ KATHARINE CAREY, of the household through 2007. He stepped into the Schipull encourages M.A. in art history, is that whole summer,” he CEO role in November 2012. employees to spend time 86 director of education at the recalled of the months “I felt that this was some- with their families and sets LinkedIn members who list McNay Art Museum in San between his freshman and place I could make a differ- the example by being there themselves as UTSA alumni Antonio. She was named sophomore years of high ence,” he said, stressing that for his own, she added. and are now Las Vegas the 2013 Museum Educator school. His parents were in cultivating a strong team “There is more to life than residents. of the Year. another state and his older that works hard and has fun your job,” Schipull said. “You brother came to stay with is his priority. “When you don’t want to miss the time him. “It made me grow up work for a huge company when your kid kicks that a lot faster.” sometimes it’s hard to dif- winning goal at the soccer After completing a year at ferentiate yourself the right game.”—By Kate Hunger
32 Sombrilla www.utsa.edu Post
How Times ScriptsHave Changed!
photo: Gil Barrera
Graduation traditions then and now A Mariachi troupe serenades the first graduating class in 1974. The music has become a commencement tradi- tion that lives on today. In December 2013, a contemporary
Mariachi ensemble performs for the ay Dunn atrick R graduating class. photo: P The university of texas at san antonio Non-Profit Org One Utsa Circle US Postage San Antonio, Texas 78249 Paid San Antonio, TX Permit No. 2474