2008 c.a.s.e. i v g o l d & p e w t e r a w a r d w i n n i n g publication

WINTER 08 The University of at Brownsville and

million-dollar arts center donation to honor H-E-B Matriarch

he largest gift yet toward con- well on its way toward its $6.7 million fundraising struction of The Arts Center on goal, said UTB/TSC President Juliet V. García. the campus of The University of “Our community offers thanks to the H-E-B fam- Texas at Brownsville and Texas ily for their generous support of fine arts education Southmost College will honor a and performance in our region.” T pioneering social services activist Texas Southmost College district voters gave the and mother of H-E-B grocery chain Chairman arts project its start with bonds approved in 2004. and CEO Charles C. Butt. The University also has launched a campaign to To acknowledge the $1 million gift, the lobby gather the remaining $6.7 million from private and gallery of the $25 million center will be named corporations, foundations and donors. for Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth Butt, a former Rio “I think it’s going to be a very nice space for the Grande Valley resident who championed causes Valley. My mother loved the Valley and loved the from mental health care to libraries. people there,” Mr. Butt said. “She respected the Overlooking the Fort Brown Resaca, the lobby role of the arts in the community and encouraged will welcome patrons to the 49,887-square-foot their growth.” Arts Center. When work is complete in late 2009, Mrs. Butt was born on a Zavala County ranch in the nautilus-shaped center will include an 808-seat 1903, the daughter of an English immigrant. The performance hall and a stage designed for large- family eventually moved to Kerrville where she ABOVE scale operas, orchestra, dance and theater produc- met her future husband, Howard Edward Butt, Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth Butt, a champion of tions. The 5,300-square-foot lobby is designed for who was then operating a small family grocery store many social causes, was honored by her son, H-E-B Chairman and CEO Charles C. Butt, with a donation that will name receptions and art exhibits. The Arts Center Lobby Gallery in her memory. The H-E-B gift puts the Arts Center campaign Continued, page 6

New Deans Power of Two Construction Q&A: Sue Math & Science 2 Welcomed 3 Program 4 Update 7 Zanne Urbis 8 Academy 2 ORANGE & WHITE

provost announces retirement

r. Jose G. Martín, who steps down school transcripts, he started working as an usher the University of Wisconsin. as provost in February, wouldn’t in a theater and sold his own paintings in the Martin joined UTB/TSC in 1996 as dean of the trade his years of service at The streets at night. College of Science, Mathematics and Technology. University of Texas at Brownsville “I didn’t make any money (selling paintings),” Before joining UTB/TSC, Martin worked at the and Texas Southmost College for Martín said laughing. “So, I knew that wasn’t for University of Massachusetts. He served six years D anything. me. So. I was writing (college) applications like there as the chairman of the Chemical and Nuclear “These were the 12 most fun years of my life,” crazy. I wrote about 120 applications that essentially Engineering Department and six years as the gradu- Martín said. “If I had the said my name and more ate coordinator for energy engineering. While there, energy, then I would be “I believe in a college that is open to or less ‘I don’t have any he taught several courses on nuclear fusion, reactor here forever.” everybody and where students can realize money, and I don’t have kinetics and statistical and quantum mechanics. He Martín was appointed their potential.” -Dr. Jose G. Martin any grades. You have to has published numerous articles in refereed journals provost in 2000, and in trust me, but I am inter- and has been principal investigator on a number of all that he did, he had one goal in mind: to help ested in studying.’” projects for public and private agencies. facilitate the opportunity for everyone to have access Martín said he received 119 rejection letters, but UTB/TSC President Dr. Juliet V. García an- to a college education. one school was intrigued by his application and de- nounced Martín’s retirement during the university’s “I believe in a college that is open to everybody and cided to meet with him in person. convocation in August and expressed her regret in where students can realize their potential, and there “That was at Mississippi State University,” Martín losing her right-hand man. are very few that offer that opportunity,” he said. said. “So, I went there and got work doing just about “I loved having him by my side as we walked into Martín’s belief stems from his understanding of every kind of menial job at the university to pay every UT regents meeting,” she said. “Dr. Martín the plight some students’ experiences. for school.” has been a very special spirit.” At 20 years old, he made a solo journey from his After receiving his bachelor’s with honors in nu- After retirement, Martin said he plans to write home in Havana, Cuba, to the . clear engineering, Martín earned his master’s in and do research on sustainable energy, architecture Shortly after arriving in with no money or nuclear engineering and Ph.D. in engineering from and engineering science. New Deans Welcomed

The University of Texas at Brownsville and in Milwaukee, Wis. Texas Southmost College welcomed two new Dr. Miguel Angel Escotet joined the School of deans this fall. Education as dean on Aug. 11. Before coming to Dr. Daniel Heimmermann became dean of the Brownsville, he was director of the Institute of College of Liberal Arts on Aug. 1. He was previ- Graduate Studies and Continuing Education at ously chair of the Department of History and Po- the University of Deusto in Bilboa, . litical Science at the University of North Alabama Escotet succeed Dr. Carl Stockton. in Florence, Ala. The Leon, Spain, native wants to push for im- Heimmermann, who succeeded Vice President provements in academic quality and establish for Academic Affairs Charles Dameron as dean, stronger scholarly work ties between students and met with some liberal arts faculty this semester School of Education faculty. He also wants more about their interest in forming an academic center partnerships in higher education in Matamoros focused on border studies. and throughout , South America and the “At a minimum, the establishment of such a Caribbean. center would serve to maintain focus/attention “Today, education is global,” Escotet said. on border-related issues as well as recognize and Escotet is a past president of Universidad publicize our university and those faculty already Iberoamericana de Postgrado in , engaged in border-related activities,” he said. Spain, provost of Open National University in ABOVE Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, left, and Dr. Miguel Heimmermann has degrees from the University and academic dean and dean at the Angel Escotet, right, were welcomed on campus this fall. of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Marquette University University of Oriente in Venezuela. WINTER 2008 3 all about the Power of two the scoop on power of two

PO2 is a new concept of combined learning where two classes are taken back-to-back. Students are able to apply and reinforce what they’ve learned from one class to another.

What classes offer PO2? This spring PO2 will offer Biology II. Biology Lab, English Com- position II. Starting fall 2009, Biology I, Biology Lab, and Eng- lish Composition I will be added to the pilot program.

Who can sign up? his spring, some students will have the opportunity to enroll A maximum of 75 students who have successfully passed Biol- in the Power of Two. This innovative course concept promotes ogy I, Biology Lab and Composition I life-long learning skills that students can apply to future T courses, positively impacting their potential for success. The Power of Two’s combined learning offers biology (and lab) and PO2 Schedule: composition taught by who will interface the two curriculums, 8 a.m. Biology II (1309) MWF creating an enriched learning environment within a learning community. “The result will be a richer learning experience, one that engages stu- 9 a.m. English Composition II (1302) MWF dents in a very meaningful and productive way,” said Dr. Charles Dam- 10:50 a.m. Biology II Lab (1109) M,W or F eron, vice president for Academic Affairs. Students will be able to reinforce, by writing in their composition class, what they’ve learned in biology and the biology lab. Attending two classes What extras will the Power of Two offer me? and a lab with the same group facilitates a learning community of natural • Dedicated mentors in a special tutoring center will be study groups that evolve when students find themselves facing the same available on a one-on-one basis to help ensure your success. academic hurdles. • Life-long learning skills that you can apply to future courses These built-in teams, all helping one another, will help create a synergy among fellow students as well as between the students and professors. to help you unlock your learning potential. Students will also have access to a special tutoring center for one-on-one • The prospect for a higher GPA. mentoring and guidance to help ensure their success. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Advising “This concept of combined learning has been implemented in a number of universities and colleges around the country with remarkable results,” at (956) 882-7514, [email protected], or log on to www.utb.edu/ Dameron said. “It promotes peer support, cultivates critical thinking skills its/Pages/PowerofTwo.aspx. and typically results in overall higher grade point averages.”

dual enrollment recognized

The Dual Enrollment program at The their families know, that they are college material, University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas that they can do it and will succeed.” Southmost College was recognized by Excelencia This fall, 6,263 area high school students are en- in Education as a finalist for their national award. rolled in the UTB/TSC dual enrollment program The Example in Excelencia award recognizes that allows students to simultaneously earn college exemplary programs and departments at the as- or vocational credit toward a postsecondary certifi- sociate, baccalaureate and graduate levels with evi- cate or degree at UTB/TSC that will also count as dence of improving Latino access, retention, and credit toward a high school diploma. success in higher education. “This program is great for students to get ahead “It is a great honor because the Excelencia in Ed- and have some college hours and experience,” dual ucation showcases just a few exceptional programs enrollment teacher Gus Solis said. “They are better that are national examples of improving access to prepared to go to college.” success for Hispanic students,” said Associate Vice To learn more about the dual enrollment pro- President of Enrollment Management Linda Fos- gram, call (956) 882-4136 or email Interim Dual sen. “Dual enrollment is tough and demanding Enrollment Coordinator Edward Camarillo at ed- but in the end, all of these students now know, and [email protected]. 4 ORANGE & WHITE construction update: New construction, renovations and transformations in full swing

our years ago, voters of the Texas The exterior is also taking on a new look with warded with a magnificent panorama view and Southmost College District went to palms having been transplanted along the front the Internet cafe. the polls and said “yes” to a $68 mil- and the main drive. Next door, separated by what will become an F lion bond issue. The results of that Students and staff are counting the days when outdoor lounge for study, relaxation or spending election can be seen and felt at almost every turn the Recreation, Education and Kinesiology Cen- time with friends, a new classroom building will at The University of Texas at Brownsville and ter opens its doors in the spring. alleviate the current classroom shortage. Texas Southmost College. Masons are busy crafting the decorative brick- Considered the crown jewel of all the construc- At The International Technology, Education work that will put the finishing touches on the tion projects and due for completion in December and Commerce Center (ITECC), the renovation building. Recently, bulldozers have been excavat- 2009, The Arts Center, with its nautilus form, is includes new classrooms, seminar rooms, comput- ing for the pool that is sure to be a already taking shape. er labs, two extra large lecture halls with comfort- favorite hangout for students. This 49,887-square-foot building will feature an able seating and built-in tables, and a television The Center for Early Childhood Studies is being 808-seat recital hall with a fully equipped stage studio and music recording studio, with state-of- constructed of energy efficient insulated concrete that will accommodate orchestras, operas and the-art equipment. forms. Other green materials and design applica- dance and theater productions with up to 150 “It’s refreshing to see such a transformation,” tions are being employed as a prototype for future people on stage simultaneously. said Assistant Vice President for Construction campus needs. Veronica Mendez. “The essence of the Fort Brown The new library, due for completion in June, will Construction info campus has been brought to the ITEC Center by feature an open-air rotunda that will be a breath- incorporating architectural elements and design taking entry to welcome the entire community to For more updates on campus construction, log on to details of the campus master plan, both in the in- the many resources inside. www.utb.edu and click on Construction Projects. terior as well as the exterior.” Upstairs on the third floor, visitors will be re-

tsc trustee Profile: Adela Garza

Adela Garza is committed to do whatever a senior education consultant for Wasatch Educa- is necessary to help students succeed in college. tion Systems, equips her with the skills to be an She believes it is important for the university to ag- effective addition to the Board of Trustees. gressively recruit students and to develop ways to Garza earned her associate degree from Texas help retain them. Southmost College in the early 1980s and received “They are our customer her bachelor’s degrees from and our reason for being,” “[Students] are our The University of Texas- Garza said. “We must customers and our reason Pan American at Browns- provide them with the re- ville in 1987. sources they need to help for being.” - Adela Garza “I was an older student, them achieve. We need to already married and with look for funds, through grants or endowments, to young children,” Garza said. “My husband was so help those who need the financial assistance to at- supportive. I wanted to get my degree to set a good tend college.” example for my children.” Garza joined the TSC Board of Trustees in June Garza says she learned the lesson of giving back after winning a runoff election, which she says was to the community from her grandmother. arduous but worth it. “I am ready for the challenges ahead, and I will She feels her community involvement and ser- ensure accountability of our resources for the ben- vice on a number of advisory boards, coupled with efit of our students, faculty and community.” her diverse work experience, including six years as WINTER 2008 5

LEFT UTB/TSC Archivist John Hawthorne stands near the Judge Reynaldo G. Garza collection on display in the Arnulfo L. Oliveira John H. Hunter Room.

Family members said the college where Garza got his start in higher education is the appropriate home for these historic materials. He was a student at what was then Brownsville Junior College in the 1930s. “We could think of no better place than UTB/ TSC for my father’s papers,” said Ygnacio “Nacho” Garza. “They will give the public insight into his life and a flavor of what was happening in Brownsville during his years on the bench.” Garza’s bond with his former law clerks is another significant aspect of this correspondence, Haw- thorne said. Many of these young attorneys went on to important positions in government and the private sector, and they speak of Garza as a men- tor and father figure. The former clerks created a Family gives papers to the university scholarship endowment in the judge’s name. Hawthorne said the university is proud to pro- vide a home for this valuable historic material and is eirs of the late federal Judge Reynaldo more than 100 cubic feet of boxed materials entrust- studying how best to preserve and make it available G. Garza have donated a treasure trove ed to UTB/TSC, said John Hawthorne, curator of for scholars. of papers, photographs and memora- the John Hunter Room archives in the Arnulfo L. “Judge Garza was a significant figure on a national H bilia to The University of Texas at Oliveira Memorial Library. and local scale,” Hawthorne said. “We’re very glad Brownsville and Texas Southmost College li- “While in college, he was friends with Lyn- when things of this nature stay in Brownsville.” brary and archives. don Johnson, John Connally, Jake Pickle. Garza, who died at 89 in 2004, was the He knew just about everybody in the Texas first Mexican-American appointed to the establishment,” Hawthorne said. the utb/tsc distinguished federal bench and a Distinguished Alum- More than 200 oversized items from gav- alumnus award nus of Texas Southmost College. els to a cowboy hat from LBJ also are President John F. Kennedy in included. 1961 named him to the South- “We have correspondence We invite you to bring to our attention ern District Court, where he dating from his early career as deserving candidates for the Distinguished served as chief judge from an attorney. We have a lot of Alumnus Award. 1974 to 1979. evidence of his community In 1979, President Jimmy service and outreach work,” Nomination Deadline: February 2, 2009 Carter appointed him to Hawthorne said. “He was the Fifth U.S. Circuit somehow able to bet- Court of Appeals. ter the conditions for To request a nomination form, contact the A lifetime of corre- Mexican-Americans Office of Development at (956) 882-4322. spondence with promi- in the state while re- nent local and national taining his status as a figures is included in member of the elite.”

alumni Profile: reagan brumley

Music and teaching are in the blood of foundation for the rigorous graduate program at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Texas A&M-Commerce, and helped him land his Southmost College alumnus Reagan Brumley. first job in Red Oak. His father, Allen, was a longtime band director Before joining Berkner, Brumley served as associ- at , and his mother, Dianne, ate band director at Lake Highlands is the director of the UTB/TSC Master Chorale. High School in Richardson, where his Brumley is now associate band director and con- students took home honors in UIL and ductor of the Symphonic II Band at Richardson’s marching band contests. award-winning Berkner High School, whose Brumley also has presented at the marching band recently advanced to the state prestigious Midwest Band and Orches- UIL competition in San Antonio. tra Clinic in Chicago. Brumley credits his success as an educa- “What I’m most proud of is that the tor to his years at UTB/TSC, where he bands that I’ve gotten to direct have done played trombone in jazz band and per- really well,” Brumley said. “I feel like I’m taking the formed at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival. training that I got in Brownsville and sharing it with Professors, such as Terry Tomlin and Allen my students.” Clark, were his mentors. “I had a great experience there, and I feel like it Alumni, we want to hear from you! prepared me at a very high level,” Brumley says. UTB/TSC Alumni Association, 80 Fort Brown, UTB/TSC’s strong music program was a firm Brownsville, TX 78520 or e-mail at [email protected]. 6 ORANGE & WHITE

arts center continued from page 1

[cont...] with his mother, Florence. the largest corporate donation ever to UTB/TSC, talent in music, Tipton said. The couple bought three stores in the Rio Grande $100,000 for a School of Education scholarship “This was an outstanding opportunity to enrich the Valley in 1928 and, for a time, had headquarters in endowment. Still owned and operated by the H.E. lives of those that participate and those of us that get both Brownsville and Harlingen. Butt family, the company now operates in 130 Tex- to listen. All of our children deserve this project.” It was in the Valley that Mrs. Butt’s social ser- as cities and has 30 stores in Mexico, with annual Tipton said the gift also honors his many family vice leadership first flourished. Her passionate sales of $15 billion. members who are educators, from wife Amy and and wide-ranging inter- The H-E-B gift joins her mother to their daughter, Katie, who is work- ests included treatment “This was an outstanding other recent donations ing on her master’s degree in education. for birth defects, juve- opportunity to enrich the lives of from arts patrons, in- Other generous gifts come from James and Glo- nile justice, daycare for those that participate and those of cluding Jim and Amy ria Zellerbach, Dr. Roberto and Perla Robles and working mothers and Tipton, who are spon- the International Bank of Commerce. The Zeller- tuberculosis diagnosis us who get to listen.” -Jim Tipton soring the Tipton Fam- bachs, who have supported The University’s Bravo and treatment. ily Teaching Studio. Tipton said he was motivated Opera Company since its inception, will sponsor “Her major lifetime work was when she was ap- in part by his memories of University Interscho- the pre-performance Green Room. A TSC trustee pointed by six different governors to the state board lastic League music competitions all through his and longtime arts patron, Robles and Mrs. Rob- for mental health and mental retardation,” her son school years. les are sponsoring teaching Studio E, one of five said. “She was always very strong in pushing for the “Everyone in my family loves music…This just planned for The Arts Center. IBC’s gift will spon- rights of the mentally ill.” looked like a beautiful venue for those activities, sor the orchestra pit. Mrs. Butt passed away in 1993 at the age of 90. along with all of the other arts and performing arts IBC President and Chief Executive Officer Fred The Arts Center gift is not H-E-B’s first act of events going on in Brownsville.” W. Rusteberg is a founding member of the UTB generosity on campus. In 2000, the company made Brownsville schools have a rich history and deep Development Board and a past chairman.

levels of giving

Interior Spaces Level Performance Hall $3,000,000 West Stage Wing $100,000 Lobby Gallery NAMED Green Room NAMED Patrons’ Room & Terrace $1,000,000 Orchestra Pit NAMED Stage $500,000 Teaching Studio (A-D) $50,000 Second Floor Lobby $500,000 Parterre Box (A-F) $50,000 Large Rehearsal Hall $500,000 Balcony Box (G-O) $50,000 Medium Rehearsal Hall $250,000 Concessions $25,000 East Stage Wing $100,000 Consider a lasting gift that permanently associates the name of your choice with the fine arts at UTB/TSC. Naming Opportunities in The Arts Center are More Than You Imagine!

* All namings are subject to Texas Southmost College Board of Trustees acceptance. If you are interested in a naming opportunity, contact the Division of Institutional Advancement at (956) 882-4322.

LEFT Directors of International Bank of Commerce pose in what will be the orchestra pit in The Arts Center. IBC donated $50,000 to sponsor the orchestra pit. WINTER 2008 7

to turn a little lecture hall into an opera theater. You almost worry that somebody is going to fall off the stage! This new facility is going to be completely ap- propriate for a professional university opera com- pany. We’ve got the singers to do full-blown op- eras; now we’re going to have the venue to do it.

How will The Arts Center help the Music Department do more?

It’s more than having rooms that are the right size with the right ceiling heights. We need more of them. We’re limited now in the ensem- ble groups we can offer, and recently, we had to turn people away from our standing-room-only Hispanic Heritage Faculty Concert in the SETB. The Arts Center is going to give us the space we need. With The Arts Center, I can foresee creation of an exhibition band. We want desperately to have a University Chorus, but we don’t have the space right now, and, with the new facility, we could open back up the community orchestra. There’s quite a demand for it. The Arts Center is going to be the kind of ven- Q&A: Dr. Sue Zanne Urbis ue anyone would be proud of. We’re going to be able to bring people on campus who have never been here before. I think our students, professors Chair, Associate , Fine Arts and our audiences deserve that. To learn more about giving opportunities for The orchestra, symphony orchestra, the two jazz bands Fine Arts Center, please call the UTB/TSC Division We’ve heard exciting descriptions and three percussion ensembles. of Institutional Advancement at (956) 882-4322. of the new Arts Center. Can you paint a picture of what students How do students and faculty cope? Master Chorale and faculty work with now? It’s not uncommon to find students practicing Italian Tour 2009 Well, first of all, I have to say that our students outside. My cello students love to practice in the have been successful just from their sheer drive gazebo when they can’t find space or the noise from Assisi - Florence – Montecatini and talent, plus the drive and talent of the facul- the band hall is too much. You’ll find guitarists on Orvieto – Tuscany – Vatican City ty. Imagine what they might accomplish with the the patio, and on bad weather days, they practice in St. Peter’s Basilica the hallways. proper facilities. Plan today to join the UTB/TSC Master Chorale in Italy The music program is currently housed in the At different times, you can actually find students prac- with award-winning choral director Dianne Brumley old chemistry and biology building. None of the ticing in the bathrooms. Spring Break: March 15–22, 2009 rooms have the square footage or ceiling heights to Double occupancy: $3,233.99 Single: $3,887.99 handle our large groups. For example, in our band What about UTB/TSC’s award- Master Card • Visa • American Express hall, we’ve have 70 students crammed into space For more information, contact Veronica Garcia, program winning Bravo Opera Company? director for Alumni Relations, at (956) 882-4327 or for half that many, with low ceilings and a met- [email protected] al roof. When it rains, it makes so much noise you We’re the only university opera company south can’t rehearse. of Austin, with students who are winning nation- That room is booked from 8 in the morning until al competitions. Right now, they use the lecture 10 at night because it’s the only room large enough hall in the Science, Engineering and Technology to handle the wind ensemble, concert band, string Building and – trust me – it is such a challenge

spring registration is under way

For more information, visit www.utb.edu or call (956) 882-8860 Financial Aid is available. 8 ORANGE & WHITE Math & science ACADEMY: ONE YEAR LATER

LEFT Dr. Jose Garza helps a Mathematics and Science Academy student with research during an English class.

Students have become involved in the univer- sity’s nationally recognized chess team, are doing research with professors, and are even showing the signs of budding mavericks. “We have a student who starting a Circle K Club, a leadership organization that is a branch of the Kiwanis Club on campus,” Argueta said. “This is a high school student rubbing elbows with state members of the Kiwanis to get this going, not only for the academy, but for the whole university.” Alcocer said she hopes students’ success is proof of how important and successful programs like the academy are. “I want to show people how great of a program this is and that we can do this,” the aspiring dentist said. “We are sitting in the same classes as college igh school senior Aziel Alco- nior and senior years of high school. students and earning better grades in some cases.” cer got more than intense curri- To get into the academy, students must have The demand to jump-start students for college cula and college credit after the competitive SAT scores and grades, as well as let- has also launched other initiatives at UTB/TSC, Mathematics and Science Acad- ters of recommendation and pass an interview. including the Brownsville Early College High H emy’s inaugural year; she also “We have valedictorians and salutatorians, and a School partnership with the Brownsville Indepen- learned discipline and poise. number of top 10 students from area high schools, dent School District, which is funded through a Last year, the now-17-year-old said she wanted to all looking for the same challenge and opportunities $462,000 grant from the Texas High School Project. pursue a challenge when she decided to leave her old (Alcocer was),” said the academy’s principal, Edward A dual-enrollment program, BECHS also al- high school for The University of Texas at Browns- Argueta, about the new class of 40 students. lows students enrolled to earn as many as 60 hours ville and Texas Southmost College’s new initiative. Argueta said last year’s first junior class of 25 of college credit. The need for that challenge led Alcocer to a 3.7 students has an average cumulative GPA of 3.66, The university also has more than 6,300 area grade point average, 51 college credit hours and with some students pulling in 4.0 GPAs after tak- high school students enrolled in dual-enrollment most importantly, maturity. ing a minimum of 34 college credit hours. courses offered through some school districts by “I knew it would be a challenge and it is, but “The university should be proud,” he said. “I was qualified instructors. from that comes great opportunities, and I take pleasantly surprised by the students last year. They “Anything that is a challenge also has a reward, all that come my way,” she said. went well beyond my expectations, and this year’s and the rewards are awesome,” Argueta said. Established by the 79th Texas Legislature, the class has some big shoes to fill.” More information academy allows students to take college classes on However, the academy’s students are not only For more information about the Math & Science campus taught by UTB/TSC faculty and com- sitting in the classroom; they participate in the Academy, call (956) 882-5742 or plete two years of college while finishing their ju- entire college experience. e-mail [email protected] faculty endowed chairs announced

r. Bobbette Morgan and Dr. Manuel Medrano are The Uni- you don’t have funds or time – this endowment will help provide that oppor- versity of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost Col- tunity, so I am looking forward to it,” Morgan said. lege’s newest Houston Endowment chairs. Medrano, a history professor in the College of Liberal Arts, is the Hous- The Houston Endowment, the ton Endowment Chair in Civic Engagement. He D largest philanthropic foundation joined the faculty in 1972 and focuses on U.S. his- in Texas, gave a $1.5 million gift tory and Mexican-American history and heritage. in 2003 to promote advanced knowledge in edu- Medrano will donate some of his endowment cation through research, teaching or public ser- chair money to build up the Dr. Americo Pare- vice. Three-year chair terms are funded $25,000 des Scholarship Fund Endowment, which will yearly. be used to promote student presentations and re- Morgan, an associate professor in the Curricu- search. Paredes was a professor, folklorist, author lum and Instruction Department and the first di- and border scholar who died in May 1999. rector of doctoral programs in the School of Ed- Medrano wants to aid students in traveling to ucation, is the Houston Endowment Chair in Austin to testify next year regarding the adoption Education. of new primary and secondary school textbooks. With her funds, she will attend a conference in “The whole idea is to try to suggest or convince Massachusetts this November on emotions re- the textbook publishers to be more inclusive with search and learning and is organizing a two-week women and minorities with their information,” graduate elective course for next summer for stu- Medrano said. dents to travel to China to observe its education- Medrano also wants to take students to Starr al system. ABOVE County to learn about historical botany and do Dr. Bobbette Morgan, left, and Dr. Manuel Me- “The kinds of things you dream about and you three half-hour documentaries for his “Los Del drano, right, plan to use their endowed chair funds to support Valle” oral and video history series. kind of put on the backburner sometimes because student and faculty success. WINTER 2008 9

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Learning From the Past DLS speaker entertains students, others with societal theories ulitzer-Prize winning author Dr. Jared student Alejandro Pallares said. Diamond and his theories about the High school students were given the opportunity success and failure of societies were a to enter an essay contest titled, “Collapse: How So- P thought-provoking centerpiece of this cieties Choose to Fail or Succeed.” Nearly 300 stu- year’s Distinguished Lecture Series event. dent essays were submitted this year, the most in the Author of the best-selling, “Guns, Germs, and history of this contest. Steel: The Fates of Human Societies,” and its follow- “I thought the essays were written by graduate stu- up, “Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Suc- dents, but I was surprised because they were from ceed,” Diamond spoke to a sold-out audience in mid- high school students,” Diamond said. “They were all October in The University of Texas at Brownsville a first-class batch of essays.” and Texas Southmost College’s Science, Engineering Diamond selected and announced the winners and Technology Building Lecture Hall. of the essay contest, sponsored by Valley Baptist A professor of geology and human society at the Health Systems. Finding it difficult to select only University of California, Los Angeles, Diamond one first-place entry, Diamond selected three top studies how environmental and other factors affect winners this year: Fahima Dawy, Felipe J. Garza III the rise and fall of civilizations, and fail- and Alejandro Pallares, from Harlingen ure to adapt to environmen- High School. tal changes was a key factor “It was truly an honor to in many societies’ demise. meet Dr. Diamond. After “Some societies were over- learning about his research whelmed and collapsed, but last year, I was really look- some overcame the obstacles ing forward to hearing him and succeeded,” Diamond said. speak and meeting him in The Distinguished Lec- person,” Garza said. ture Series was created by the Diamond told students that UT Brownsville Development each society has contributed in Board and celebrated its 10th its own way to human history and ABOVE year. Since 1999, the se- Dr. Jared Diamond’s bestseller “Collapse” and the that no one civilization is ries has brought brilliant Pulitzer Prize-winning “Guns, Germs and Steel” highlight superior to another. speakers to the campus. the fates of human societies. “Societies are the fertile It is a tradition that crescents of our world; the speaker meets with high school and college stu- they have established agriculture, printing, domestica- dents. The following morning, Diamond spoke to tion of corn and potatoes,” Diamond said.” We can avoid hundreds of high school and col- failure as a human race by learning from past societies lege students. and by adapting to change.” The Harvard- and Cambridge-educated scholar The evolutionary biologist stressed to students that in told his eager listeners that the collapse of some soci- order to do great things, they must love what they eties was due, in part, to the same types of environ- are doing. mental problems – deforestation, overpopulation and “If I were given $10 million, I would still do what human-caused climate change – that beset us today. I’m doing right now,” Diamond said. “I thought Dr. Diamond’s lecture was very inter- The Distinguished Lecture Series is an important esting, not just because he told us about human his- fundraiser for UTB/TSC, providing support for tory, but because he told us about what motivated student and faculty trips, research and projects for him in his personal life,” Harlingen High School which state funding are not available. 10 ORANGE & WHITE

Dr. Americo Paredes Dr. Manuel Medrano donor profile: dr. manuel medrano

r. Manuel Medrano is continuing Council Outstanding Teaching Award, Me- tinued at The University of Texas at Austin, where his life’s work of preserving the drano created the “Los Del Valle” oral history he became a professor emeritus of border studies. culture of by sup- project, which includes video interviews with Medrano has been a member of the UTB/ D porting the scholarship endow- well-known and interesting Rio Grande Valley TSC faculty since 1972. He has published his ment in honor of a Rio Grande Valley icon. natives. Paredes was one of Medrano’s first in- own books of poetry and border culture and par- Recently named as the holder of the Houston terview subjects back in 1993. ticipated in an oral history project on Latinos in Endowment Chair in Making sure the World War II. Civic Engagement, Me- “It’s something I have the Paredes endowment More fundraising efforts for the Paredes en- drano, a history profes- reaches its goal is an- dowment are planned to recognize the 10-year sor, has pledged part of opportunity to do, something I want other way to keep his anniversary of his death in 1999, Medrano said. the endowment income to do and something that is necessary memory alive, Me- “I feel very strongly about this,” he added. “It’s got as a contribution to the to do.” -Dr. Manuel Medrano drano said. to be done, and it’s got to be done by the Browns- Dr. Americo Paredes “What better role ville and South Texas community – all those who Scholarship Endowment at The University of model for a student than a person who wrote were touched by Dr. Paredes’ life and work.” Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. all his life about this area and got national and More INFORMATION “Ten years after his death, people are still talk- international recognition for it?” Medrano said. ing about the work of Dr. Paredes,” Medrano “It’s something I have the opportunity to do, said of the beloved professor, folklorist, writer something I want to do and something that is To learn more about the Dr. Americo and border scholar. “He is a very important per- necessary to do. The community will be better Paredes Scholarship Endowment, please son, and he wrote about a very important place, a off for it.” call the UTB/TSC Division of Institutional place where most of our students were born.” Paredes and Medrano both got their start at Advancement at (956) 882-4322. A recipient of the prestigious Chancellor’s what is now UTB/TSC. Paredes eventually con-

development board Profile: remedios s. villarreal

Remedios S. Villarreal is doing her part to pro- and help the university,” Villarreal said about the board. mote binational relations as a member of The Uni- She said she is pleased to see campus growth, espe- versity of Texas at Brownsville Development Board. cially construction of The Arts Center. She keeps an ear open to interesting things going “That’s progress,” Villarreal said. on in Mexico and makes sure members of the cam- She was born in Mexico City and raised in Mata- pus community are aware of them. One of the things moros. She studied bookkeeping and Spanish litera- she is bringing more attention to is Festival Inter- ture at Colegio Don Bosco in Matamoros. She has a nacional de Otoño, a cultural event held yearly in passion for history, specifically the stories and figures Matamoros that brings in musical, dance and theater from Russia, France, Spain and Mexico. performers from throughout the world. Villarreal was a private pilot and flew Cessna 152s “I want to inform people that have not crossed the for four years in the United States. She has also served international bridge, so everybody in the Rio Grande on the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau Valley will come and enjoy this wonderful cultural Board and has been a Girl Scout leader. arts event,” Villarreal said. She lives on South Padre Island and owns Barba- She first became familiar with the university when ra’s, fine women’s clothing boutiques in Matamoros she took English as a second language classes years ago. and South Padre Island. She said her island business She has been on the development board for six years. attracts a lot of Mexican shoppers, while the Matam- “There are smart people, and they are willing to work oros store sees an influx of American shoppers. WINTER 2008 11 a salute to our donors

ommunity outreach to help students Close to 600 runners and walkers gathered at the Sonia Cunningham, a nursing professor at UTB/ achieve their educational goals at Brooklyn Bridge in New York City in early August TSC, established the endowment in honor of her The University of Texas at Browns- for a run/walk that benefits the Keith A. Ferguson son who died after he suffered a heart attack while C ville and Texas Southmost College Endowed Chair for Criminal Justice Campaign. responding to a fellow officer’s call for back up. The continues to grow with scholarship endowments. endowment is valued in excess of $60,000, and TheGreater Texas Foundation, headquartered in more than a dozen students have been awarded Bryan, Texas, supports initiatives that increase ac- scholarships. Cunningham is also raising funds for cess to higher education. The foundation provided an endowed chair for the Criminal Justice depart- matching grants to the Texas Medical Associa- ment. Plans are underway in 2009 for the fifth an- tion Alliance, Cameron and Willacy County, the niversary of the run that is traditionally held several UTB/TSC Alumni Association, the Raul A. days before Ferguson’s birthday on Aug. 8. Bestiero Jr. Scholarship Endowment and the Ro- The AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic arm tary Club of Brownsville Sunrise. of AT&T Inc, has awarded a grant of $25,000 to The South Texas Higher Education Founda- UTB/TSC. The funds support the MyUTBTSC tion (S.T.A.R.S.) awarded UTB/TSC $200,000 Virtual Info Shop kiosks that connects users a for scholarships for undergraduate students for the through videoconferencing with UTB/TSC staff 2008-09 academic year. Since 2003, the founda- about admissions, financial aid, registration, enroll- tion has awarded the university $1.15 million in ment, testing and other areas. scholarships. Established in October 2002, the A kiosk is located in Sunrise Mall in Brownsville, foundation makes higher education accessible to and one will also be located in each of Brownsville’s the students of South Texas. five public high schools.

The President’s Circle supports the Annual Fund Campaign, which supports students, faculty and programs for which state resources are either inadequate or non-existent. Donations to the President’s Circle Fund enable the university to invest additional resources in students and faculty. Join us in thanking our 2008 donors!

Leticia Fernandez Beverly G. Parker Norma L. Burnias Diamond Level Gold Level ($2,000 +) ($500 to $999) Douglas M. Ferrier Paulette T. Parson Ernesto Caballero Dr. & Mrs. Stanley I. Fisch Allan L. Peakes Edward Camarillo BBVA – Compass Bank Arnold I. Benson Randy & Gerry Fleuriet Rhonda Phillips Ethel K. Cantu Frank Boggus Olga & Apolonio Borrego Linda P. Fossen Jean S. Perkins Dr. Shihong “Steve” Chen Rosemary S. & Cleve Breedlove Lourdes S. & Albino Carrasco Drs. Diamintina & James A. Freeberg Dr. Eli E. Peña Felix Colmenares Mary Rose & Renato Cardenas Kirk A. Clark Elizabeth A. & David P. Freeth Alicia & Barry B. Putegnat William C. Davis Rene Cardenas Ben Edelstein Adreina Galvan Sharon & Larry Putegnat Thomas W. De Maar Ricky Cardenas Bernice & Ruben H. Edelstein Jesus M. Galvan Dr. Ruth. A. & Fred Ragland Rattan T. Dupte Eldarose Cardenas Gueda Maribel & George R. Farish Dr. Anita H. Garcia Fount F. Ray Joseph M. Furcron Dr. Elsa Cardenas Hagan Robin & Bobby Farris Dalilah Garcia Daniel L. Rentfro Valerie Gamez Reba Cardenas McNair Scott D. Friedman Analisa & Miguel A. Garcia Gloria & Richard R. Ridolfi Miguel P. Garcia Robin & Bobby Farris First Community Bank Ruben S. Garcia Sally K. Roach Terence Garrett Celia & Dr. Martin E. Garcia Frost Bank Pablo G. Gonzalez Ann T. Roberts Hectore Gonzalez Gordon Russell Adela & Faustino Garza Nyla T. Hall Dolores Rodriguez Guatam Hazarika Neal O. & Lourdes Gomez, Mendez, Saenz Inc. Kelly K. & David G. Handley Rodriguez, Colvin & Chaney Robert Johnston Simmons Foundation Edna & Dr. Manuel G. Guajardo Sandra Hargis Reynaldo Rodriguez Harriett D. Joseph Katherine & Tudor G. G. Uhlhorn HEB Max Y. Harris Linda J. Roerig Angela M. Kaberline Wells Fargo Dr. Umang Khetarpal Dr. Elizabeth Heise Dianne G. Samuelson Jerry L. Kalkofen Wells Fargo Institutional Dr. Charles W. Lackey Dr. David W. Hicks Michael E. Sanchez Dr. Charles W. Lackey Wealth Management Dr. Juan J. Mancillas Eduardo Hernandez Andrea Schwarzbach Jason Leal Valley Baptist Medical Vicki V. & Pete Moore Abelardo G. Hinojosa Arturo A. Senteno Meloney Linder Center – Brownsville Paloma & Dr. David Pearson Barry T. Horn Dr. Hilda Silva Elba A. Loberg Valley Coca Cola Bottling Company Keeley & Michael E. Rodriguez Walter R. Howard Kecia Smedley Hon. Elia C. Lopez John H. Wright Laurie M. Howell Mimosa S. Stephenson Amy Lynch Frank D. Yturria IBM Corporation William A. Stephenson Ricardo J. Linderman Jean E. Jeudy Betty R. Stevenson Ubaldo Martinez Platinum Level ($1,000 - $1,999) Dr. Milo E. Kearney Douglas R. Stoves Lee Means Alison D. Kennamer Hisako Tachibana Gary Meschi Silver Level Ambiotech Group ($100 to $499) Keppel AmFELS Inc. Rick H. Teter Jim L. Mills Martha J. & Taylor Blanton Gary L. Kimberling Nancy P. & Dr. Peter Thompson John Newman Nena S. & Johnny N. Cavazos Suzanne Acevedo Geralyn S. Kirkpatrick George Toland Eusebio E. Ortiz Mellena & Marvin G. Conner Russell P. Adams Jerry C. Light Sally J. Trenfield Cheng-Chang S. Pan Katherine & Joseph C. Dougherty Jess Alford Olga R. Lozano Ambrosio Villarreal Sylvia S. Perez Pam & Irv Downing Ann & Dr. Jude A. Benavides Dr. Marvin G. Lovett Robert B. Webb Edward Platt Ellen & Dennis A. Franke Arnold I. Benson Anthony Lungo Elizabeth B. White Mary A. Potts Rosie & Luke Fruia Dr. William M. Berg Dr. Geri H. Malandra Marilyn White Dr. Daniele Provenzano Geralyn S. Kirkpatrick Sabrina Brashear David Mariscal Dr. Marilyn J. Woods Norma L. Ramos Rene Gonzalez-Rascon Ann & Robert B. Buchanan Wendy O. Marsh Dr. Lucy G. & Patrick Willis Luis Romero Ame A. Gorena Jose Luis Castañeda Dr. Javier A. Martinez Sandra S. Wilson Graciela P. Rosenberg Gigi & Dr. Kalim J. Habet Maria F. Chavez Rosemary R. Martinez Edith E. Young Janet R. Shefelbine Hygeia Foundation Marisela F. Chapa Rev. Armand J. Mathew Matthew Zebrowski Luz M. Silva Elizabeth C. & Pat Pace Ruth & Carl S. Chilton Graham McCullough Gabriela & Dr. Antonio N. Zavaleta Angelika H. Soldan Most Rev. Raymundo J. Peña Dr. Luis Colom Dr. Manuel F. Medrano Peggy Steinbach Betsy Price Dr. John A. Cook Miguel A. Mendez James A. Stockton Eduardo R. Rodriguez Bebe K. Crooks Pauline Mendiola Friends John A. Sutterby Maria A. Solis George Cunningham Co. Manuel R. Mendoza ($1 - $99) Emilia D. Taylor Merced Pérez Treviño & Sonia M. Cunningham Sharon & Dr. Wayne J. Moore Mary O. Torres Randolph K. Whittington Lois & Jose A. Del Castillo Dr. Bobbette M. Morgan Eloy Alvarez Richard H. Welch Cassandra Y. & Brad Wolfe Drs. Lidia & Mario C. Diaz Hon. Menton Murray Erminia M. Alvarez Stephen D. Wilder Sandra & Fausto Yturria Jr. Dr. Charles F. & Joan Dameron Dr. Eldon L. Nelson Jose G. Arambul Herlinda Wilkinson Mary A. Yturria Jim & Marta Digregorio Arthur L. Newman Marielena Arrese Nadine Woodall Maria Enrq. & Mario E. Yzaguirre June R. & Adolph Dittman John R. Noorda Linda & Guadalupe W. Avelar Sessia Wyche William Dodd Maria L. Pacheco Jack E. Ayoub Rolando R. Zamora Robert L. Duncan Angel & Scott Pajeski Mark Brown 12 ORANGE & WHITE

Change lives! Join the Presidents Circle

Your contribution opens up the world to talented students and faculty by supporting them in areas where state funding is either inadequate or non-existent. Contact Alberto Juarez at (956) 882-4328 or [email protected] to find out how you can make a difference.

Jessica Chavez traveled to Tanzania so she Flutist Dulce Rodriguez attended the Nadya Ortiz attended chess competitions could bring medical aid to villagers. She 2008 SoundSCAPE Music Festival in Italy, in Spain and Holland as she works to plans to become a doctor. where she collaborated with composers attain the rank of Woman Grandmaster. and performers from around the world.

More than you imagine.