News Release for Feb. 21, 2008

MCDONALD OBSERVATORY DIRECTOR OFFERS RECIPES FOR STELLAR DEVELOPMENT

Dr. David Lambert stirred up recipes for star gazers during the 20th annual Mary Thomas Marshall Lecture Feb. 12 at Sul Ross State University.

Lambert, director of the McDonald Observatory, presented "Heaven's Kitchens: Primoridial Soup, Stellar Entrees and Galactic Dessert" to a large audience in Marshall Auditorium. He traced the development of stars from the time of the Big Bang (14 billion years ago) to their present, ever-evolving state.

His contributions to research in astronomical spectroscopy have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. His current research emphasizes precise analyses of the composition of evolved starts to determine how the chemical elements are synthesized by stars. Lambert also studies the chemical evolution of the galaxy as reevealed by the chemical composition of unevolved stars.

Through his lecture, charts and photographs, Lambert showed how spectroscopy refuted earlier claims that size, shape and numbers of stars could not be measured.

"Spectroscopy is the tool by which we have gained the most information about stars in the universe," Lambert said.

Lambert noted that beginning with hydrogen and helium, all of the 81 basic elements on earth have been generated by nuclear reactions occurring in stars. Elements were released from stars at various stages, starting with hydrogen, which burns an estimated seven million years after a stellar explosion. Helium burns an estimated 500,000 years, while silicon burns just one day.

"These processes occur continuously,:" Lambert noted. "Stars form, stars evolve, stars explode....Stars dominate the development of elements."

Lambert served as chair of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Texas from 2002-2003.

Born and educated in England, he obtained a B.A. in Physics in 1960 and a D. Phil. in Solar Physics in 1965 from the University of Oxford. His contributions to research in astronomical spectroscopy have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and appointments, including a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship (1980-81), the Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics from the American Institute of Physics and the American Astronomical Society (1987), and the Henry Norris Russell Lectureship, the top award of the American Astronomical Society (2007).

Lambert is one of the most productive and innovative astronomers in the world, with more than 450 publications during over 35 years of research. He has established the fields of cosmochemistry and galacto-chemodynamics and continues to lead them. His current research emphasizes precise analyses of the composition of evolved stars to determine how the chemical elements are synthesized by stars, along with studies of the chemical evolution of the galaxy as revealed by the chemical composition of unevolved stars.

Lambert's lecture represented the official "kick off" event for the Sul Ross Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Sul Ross student leaders chose the Milky Way as a logo and the name "Lobo Stars" for the plan. Symbolizing teamwork and humility, as well as the order of science that astronomy reveals, "Lobo Stars" represents a new vision for Sul Ross State University. One part of the plan focuses on using engagement with the West Texas outdoors, "Stars over La Frontera," to enhance student critical thinking skills in all academic disciplines.

The Sul Ross State University Lecture Series was renamed in 1985 to honor Mary Thomas Marshall, a good friend of the University. On Feb. 21, 1992, the Board of Regents, Texas State University System, approved renaming the Main Auditorium of Sul Ross State University to the Marshall Auditorium in recognition of Mrs. Marshall's many contributions to the University.

Mrs. Marshall's interest in Sul Ross State University stemmed from time spent as a young woman in the Trans-Pecos area of West Texas and from the longtime association of her sister-in-law, Stather Elliot Thomas, with the university as a member of the original faculty.

LOBO STARS SHINE FOR SUL ROSS QEP

by Jason Hennington, News Writer

No need to look in the sky for stars; Lobo Stars are visible on the Sul Ross State University campus.

Lobo Stars is the name and the logo chosen for the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) by students on the QEP committee. The QEP describes a course of action for institutional improvement critical to enhancement of educational quality, and is directly related to student learning, and is a requirement of the SACS reaffirmation process for colleges.

The Lobo Stars committee consists of Tori Neugebauer, Mission; Nolan Pritchard, Pyote,; Lacey Cox, Kerrville; Jaime Rios, Roma; Moises Morales, Fort Hancock; Kenzi Miller, Lamesa; Cade Woodward, and Jackie Martinez, both from Alpine, along with additional student leaders on campus. Dr. Barney Nelson associate professor of English, serves as QEP committee chair, and wants students to get other students involved.

"The idea behind selection of stars as the logo was to encourage a humble 'team' effort--like real stars not Hollywood stars," Nelson said.

The core group met and came up with a strategic plan to begin with students who already serve as role models on campus, but eventually plan to include all students on campus. The Jan. 31 Lobo basketball games against Hardin-Simmons University were chosen for the campaign kick-off, with players wearing star necklaces representing the Lobo Stars program.

Members of both Sul Ross Lobo men's and women's basketball teams, wore necklaces with a star to show their support of the program, while team members Morales and Janice Mitchell, Round Rock, spoke to the crowd about the program.

"I'm not really sure why I was chosen to represent the Lobo Stars program because I'm sure there are more qualified people, but I am very grateful that Dr. Nelson gave me the opportunity to learn about the Lobo Stars and also to try to lead others to join the Lobo Stars program," Mitchell said. "I feel that it's an amazing honor and I'm very happy Dr. Nelson picked me."

Mitchell, who was a runner-up for 2007 Homecoming Queen in 2007, was chosen because of her accomplishments on campus such as an active member of Student Government Association and her importance on the women's basketball team. Morales was nominated to join the QEP committee by the Dr. Jim Case, dean of Arts and Sciences, and was then appointed by Sul Ross President Dr. R. Vic Morgan. Both Mitchell and Morales are popular with students and involved on campus.

"Both Janice and Moises take their responsibilities as athletes, committee members, students, and leaders very seriously, both on and off the basketball court," Nelson said.

By choosing Mitchell and Morales, the idea was to influence other students to get involved with the Lobo Stars program.

"I do believe and hope that I am influencing other students to join Lobo stars," Mitchell said. "I do believe we reached the students that were there to hear us out after the McMurry game."

Any Sul Ross student can be a Lobo Star. The program began with student leaders who will influence other students to join. Anyone who interested in becoming a Lobo Star can contact QEP committee members, Nelson, or other Lobo Stars. The student will be informed about the Lobo Stars, and then presented with a star necklace to show their support for the program.

"The stars represent students who realize their responsibility to other students as role models, their responsibility to faculty members as engaged students, and their responsibility to each other as support when striving for excellence," Nelson said.

Students with necklaces are urged to wear them on Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1 while the SACS team visits campus. The goal is to show that Sul Ross is a united team that supports each other and supports ideas for improvement.

For more information, contact Nelson, (432) 837-8154.

SUL ROSS LOSES TWIN BILL AT UT-TYLER; HOST UT-DALLAS THIS WEEKEND

Nationally-ranked University of Texas at Tyler used stout pitching and defense to claim a 5-1, 9-1 double header sweep of visiting Sul Ross State University Friday (Feb. 15).

Saturday's contest was cancelled due to inclement weather in the Tyler area.

Coach Mike Pallanez' Lobos, 2-6 for the season, host the University of Texas at Dallas this weekend, starting with a 7 p.m. game Friday (Feb. 22) at Kokernot Field. Saturday's (Feb. 23) doubleheader starts at 1 pm.

UT-Tyler snapped a 1-1 tie with four fifth-inning runs in Friday's opener. The Patriots took the lead on a one-out homer by Damewood, before back-to-back doubles by Harding and Towns chased Sul Ross starter Jaime Rojo (Alpine). Keith Bakker (Katy) relieved and Towns was cut down stealing, but a walk, wild pitch, passed ball and error scored a third run. Hood's double plated the fourth marker.

The Lobos were limited to six hits by Campbell and Ziegler. Javier Arrieta (El Paso) singled home Will Montano (El Paso) for Sul Ross' lone run in the top of the third.

UT-Tyler scored its first run in the last of the frame on a single, infield out and Damewood's two-out double.

Zach Denson (Fredericksburg), Mike Otero (Houston), Richard Fraire (El Paso) and Monte Piper (Houston) also singled for the Lobos. Rojo gave up seven hits and three earned runs in four and one-third innings. Bakker was touched for two unearned runs in a third of a frame, while Lucas Garza (Hebbronville) gave up two hits and two walks over three and one-third scoreless innings.

Holland pitched a two-hitter and struck out 14 as UT-Tyler, 4-0, coasted in the nightcap. The Patriots scored twice in the second, six in the fourth and one in the sixth while slamming 11 hits off Otero and Harvey Cardiel (Tornillo).

Sul Ross scored its lone run in the fourth on a two-base error, a balk and Fraire's infield out. James Johnson (Killeen) tripled and Christopher Rodriguez (San Angelo) singled for the Lobos.

SUL ROSS QEP POSTER COMPETITION UNDERWAY

In order to stimulate friendly competition, creativity, and visual inspiration for momentum, the Sul Ross State University Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Committee invites posters of any form (handmade, computer generated, or other means) for a display.

The best 50 posters will be exhibited in the University Center's second-floor foyer March 29-April 1.

Multiple entries are welcome from individuals, clubs, departments, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community. Suggested topics for posters include: generating student engagement with academic subjects, incorporating the outdoors into academic subjects, Topics for faculty seminars to improve teaching methods, enhancing critical thinking in the classroom or in outdoor activities, mixing student activities with academic learning, or anything else relevant to increasing the quality of an education at Sul Ross.

The posters should provide an exciting visual collection of our many regional assets and various plans for using those assets. A few examples include:

• A poster from the Natural Resource Management department about their $292,160 grant for a cooperative Ph.D. program with Texas A&M University to enhance educational equity for Hispanics in higher education.
• A poster from the Museum of the Big Bend about their new educational programs
• A poster from Industrial Technology explaining development of alternate energy sources using West Texas sunlight and wind
• A poster from the Robert and Elidia Polanco family celebrating the education of three generations at Sul Ross.

Preference for winners will be given to posters depicting "What I plan to do, am doing, or did," rather than "What someone else should do," but all ideas are welcome. All posters will be made available to the visiting on-site review team from the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS) who will be on campus as part of Sul Ross's reaffirmation of accreditation, a process occurs every 10 years.

For the "poster-challenged," Tim Parsons will conduct a build-a-poster session using PowerPoint in the Library Classroom: Friday, Feb. 29, 4 p.m. For more information,

contact Barney Nelson at bnelson@sulross.edu

Deliver ready-to-hang posters to the Library Administration Office before 5 p.m. March 12. Winning posters will be hung during spring break.

LOBO MEN CLOSE HOME SCHEDULE WITH LOSSES; SEASON ENDS AT SCHREINER, TLU

Weekend losses to Concordia University (84-83) and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (78-58)closed out Sul Ross StateUniversity's home court schedule.

Coach Greg Wright's Lobos, 8-15 overall, 7-12 in the American Southwest Conference West Division, end regular season play on the road. They meet Schreiner University Thursday (Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m.) in Kerrville, then travel to Seguin Saturday (Feb. 23, 3 p.m.) to play Texas Lutheran University. Sul Ross gained Gallego Center wins over the Mountaineers and Bulldogs on Jan. 17 and 19, respectively.

Concordia University erased a 17-point deficit in the final 10 minutes and edged Sul Ross in Thursday's (Feb. 14) action at the Gallego Center.

The Lobos enjoyed a 70-53 lead with 10:17 remaining and a 77-67 margin with 5:49 to play, but missed layups and free throws, coupled with the Tornados' hot shooting, saw the margins melt.

Mike Mann's free throws tied the score at 79-79 with 2:10 to play, then Clint Hamilton's three-pointer at 1:29 put Concordia ahead to stay. Hamilton's free throw with nine seconds left provided an 84-81 margin, and Art Gonzalez' (El Paso Eastwood) three-point try with three ticks left bounded off the rim. Fili Torres (Clint) scored on the rebound to cap the scoring.

Sul Ross led 42-37 at halftime and mainttained the advantage most of the contest. Henry Flores (San Antonio Stevens) came off the bench to tally a game-high 17 points, while Gonzalez netted 15 and Torres added 13 points and 13 rebounds. Jermaine Packer (Midland Lee), Roderick Gunter (Houston Westside) and Moise Morales (Fort Hancock) tallied 10 each.

The Lobos netted 33 of 74 field goal attempts, 45 percent, five of 19 from long range, and 12 of 21 free throw tries. The Lobos won the rebound battle, 45-40. Anthony Miller (Amarillo) contributed six assists and Gonzalez had four steals.

Brad Walker led four Concordia players in double figures with 16 points. The Tornados shot 48 percent from the floor (29-61), six of 17 from long range and hit 20 of 27 free throw attempts.

UMHB, 20-3, 17-2, the men's conference tournament host, led 25-20 at halftime, then erupted for 53 second-half points to subdue the Lobos.

Tilmon Gaddy tallied a game-high 27 points and Ryan Burgart came off the bench to add 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Crusaders.

Morales' three-pointer cut the margin to 25-23 and Gunter pulled Sul Ross within 28-25 early in the second half, before Gaddy sparked a 14-0 run with two free throws. He added a three-pointer and a dunk in the surge, while Burgart supplied a pair of hoops.

Gunter's trey sliced the lead to 61-53 with 2:14 to play, but UMHB converted 13 of 16 free throws down the stretch to close out the win.

Gunter finished withy 20 points, Gonzalez added 16 and Morales contributed 10 points and sevenrebounds. The Lobos shot 36 percent from the floor (20-55), 10 of 25 on three-point attempts and hit eight of 15 free throws. Torres added eight points and six rebounds. Gonzalez and Packer played their final home games for the Lobos.

UMHB converted 43 perc ent of its shots (23-54), 52 percent in the second half. The Crusaders meshed 28 of 40 free throws and held a 41-35 edge on the boards.

Lobo Tracks...Gonzalez leads the team in scoring (13.1 points per game), free throw percentage (.838), assists (76) and steals (24) and is second in three-point shooting (.421, 64-152)....Torres is second in scoring (12.1), and leads in rebounding (7.7), three-point percentage (.466, 27-58) and blocked shots (29)....Gunter is averaging 11.2 points per game, and Abe Ely, who missed half the season with injury, had a 10.7 average through 12 games.

LADY LOBOS TO WRAP UP SEASON AT SCHREINER, TEXAS LUTHERAN

Sul Ross State University's women's basketball team seeks to end the 2007-08 season on a winning note with a pair of weekend road games.

After home-court losses to Concordia University (70-55) and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (64-51) last week, the Lady Lobos close play at Schreiner University Thursday (Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m.) and Texas Lutheran University Saturday (Feb. 23, 1:30 p.m.).

Coach David Tandy's team is 6-16, 5-14 American Southwest Conference West Division action.

Concordia University built a 36-22 halftime advantage and used Kerrie Carter's 24 points to cruise to a 70-55 win over Sul Ross Thursday at the Gallego Center.

Lanean Harris added 16 points and two other Lady Tornados also reached double figures.

Nitra Woods (Andrews) led a Lady Lobo surge that cut a 19-point deficit to nine, 58-49, with 5:33 left, but Sul Ross could draw no closer. Woods finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Isela Garza (El Paso Eastwood) added 12 points and four assists.

Sul Ross shot 44 percent (21-48) for the game, three of ll from three-point range and 11 of 16 at the foul line. Concordia held a 39-29 rebound advantage and made 45 percent (28-62) of its shots. Whitney Clancy scored 12 and Jennifer Herman 10 for the winners, 14-9, 12-7.

Woods had a second double-double, 22 points and 12 rebounds, in her final Gallego Center contest Saturday. The senior forward helped rally her team from a 23-10 deficit to trail by just two at intermission, 27-25.

Woods added six points in the first three minutes of the second session as the Lady Lobos forged a 33-33 tie. UMHB's Kallie White answered with seven consecutive points and Mallory MacAdams added a layup for a 42-33 advantage. A subsequent 12-3 run opened up a 54-36 Lady Crusader lead with 7:24 left, as Sul Ross shot just 23 percent for the game, six of 27 in the second half.

Landie Thompson tallied 20 points and White 12 for the winners, who meshed 21 of 53 shots for 40 percent. UMHB netted 17 of 27 free throws and held a 47-40 rebound edge.

Janice Mitchell (Round Rock Stony Point), also playing her final home game, added six points and five assists. Benton tallied seven and Garza six for the Lady Lobos, who made 24 of 31 free throws, but just 13 of 57 from the floor. Morgan Johnson (Christoval) also played her final home game.

Lobo Tracks...Woods leads the team in scoring (12.9 points per game) and rebounds (8.6), while Mitchell is second at 9.8 points per outing with a team-high 81 assists....Johnson averages 8.7 points and Benton 7.8, with 32 blocked shots.

WAYNE SCHROEDER NAMED NEW LOBO FOOTBALL COACH

Wayne Schroeder has been named the 16th head football coach at Sul Ross State University in an announcement by Sul Ross director of athletics Kay Whitley Monday morning.

Schroeder, who spent the past two seasons as defensive line coach for the Lobo football team, replaces Steve Wright who stepped down from the head coach's position in December. Schroeder helped guide the Lobos to a 10-9 record including an American Southwest Conference mark of 8-9.

Schroeder takes the head coach's job with a coaching career that spans more than 35 years.

A 1969 graduate of Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos in 1969 (kinesiology), Schroeder served as athletic coordinator and head football coach at William B. Travis High School in Austin from 2001-06 where he led the team to a bi-district appearance in 2004.

Prior to his run in Austin, Schroeder served as director of athletics and head football coach at Taylor High School from 1987-2000, leading the team to eight playoff showings.

Schroeder was also head football and boys basketball coach at Granger High School (1972-74). He began his coaching career as head football and basketball coach at Hutto High from 1969-71.

"We had an excellent pool of applicants," Whitley said in Monday's announcement. "While the final decision was difficult, we felt that Wayne, with his credentials, will bring a positive and disciplined chemistry to our football program."

"I can't express the gratitude I have for Sul Ross allowing me this tremendous opportunity," Schroeder said. "To be able to walk into a program that Coach Wright has taken to a competitive level and continue to improve on that foundation brings many exciting challenges and I know that we are looking forward to meeting those challenges."

"With continual improvement not just on the field but in the recruiting and retention aspects, we will continue to solidify a growing loyalty between our football program and the Alpine community."

PROFESSIONAL GEOSCIENTIST TO LECTURE FEB. 29 AT SUL ROSS

Albert Jimenez, an Investigator with the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, will discuss "How to Become a Licensed Professional Geoscientist in Texas," on Friday, Feb. 29, 2 p.m. in Warnock Science Building, Room 101.

There is no admission charge and the public is invited.

As part of its ongoing outreach efforts, The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) seeks to bring awareness to students regarding TBPG, the requirements for licensure as it relates to the public practice of geosciences in Texas, the importance of being a licensed Professional Geoscientist (PG) and the requirements and process for obtaining a license.

Jimenez will also provide information on the exams required for PG licensure and continuing education requirements for maintaining licensure.

For more information, contact David Rohr, (432) 837-8167 or drohr@sulross.edu

COMPUTER SCIENCE/MATHEMATICS SEMINAR FEB. 22 AT SUL ROSS

Peter Chase, a lecturer in the Sul Ross State University Computer Science and Mathematics Department, will present a seminar, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Infinity," Friday, Feb. 22.

Chase's seminar will begin at 2 p.m. in ACR, Room 205. There is no admission charge and the public is invited. Refreshments will be served.

Topics of Chase's seminar will include the tennis ball problem, making divergent series converge, power sets and Cator's theorm corrupting the youth of Europe, and holding infinity in the palm of your hand using a Riemann sphere.

22nd TRAPPINGS OF TEXAS SLATED FEB. 29-MARCH 1 AT MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND

Rawhide braider Jeff Minor, Salmon, Idaho, will feature his work at the 22nd annual Classic Trappings of Texas Exhibit and Sale, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 29-March 1 at Sul Ross State University.

Trappings is a juried invitational exhibit that brings together the best contemporary cowboy gear and art. This unique event is hosted by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University and has become a West Texas tradition.

Minor, who grew up on a ranch, was encouraged by his father, who started him with plait braiding.

"Bruce Grant's books gave me the incentive to go further," Minor said. "Most of my early works were used on the ranch or given to neighboring ranchers, which gave me ideas on improving functionality and eye appeal."

Minor later apprenticed under saddle maker Bob Klenda, and in 1985, moved to Salmon, where he started producing quality saddles and braidwork. In 2003, he received an academy award from the Academy of Western Artists for his rawhide work and achievements in braiding.

Minor's work has been shown at many western art shows and galleries, including Trappings of Texas.

"Rawhiding is like any other craft or art. You only get out of it what you put into it," Minor said. "After each piece is finished, I strive to make the next one better."

This year's Trappings begins with a lecture, "Old Masters: Taos School of Art," presented by Michael Duty, guest curator of art, on Thursday, Feb. 28, 3:30 p.m. in Lawrence Hall, Room 309.

The main event, the Trappings sale and opening reception will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29. at the newly renovated Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $40 per person or $75 per couple. The Trappings public auction will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 1 at Lawrence Hall, third floor, room 309. Items for the auction have been donated from gearmakers, artists and businesses from not only the Big Bend, but from across the globe.

For more information and tickets, contact Liz Jackson, (432) 837-8143.

TENNIS TEAMS OPEN SEASON PLAY

Sul Ross State University's women's tennis team gained a default victory in its opening match, while the Lobo men dropped a pair of contests Monday (Feb. 18) at Hobbs, N.M.

Coach Kay Whitley's Lady Lobos gained a default win over College of the Southwest, with just three matches played. New Mexico Military Institute and College of the Southwest won gained 9-0, 8-0 victories over the Lobo men.

Sul Ross will host American Southwest Conference foes Schreiner University March 1 (10 a.m.) and Texas Lutheran University March 3 (2:30 p.m.) on the Lobo courts.

Christina Gallardo (El Paso) defeated CSW's Stephanie Dixon 6-3, 6-2 in women's action, while Fernanda Busch (Sanderson) lost 6-2, 6-0 to Whitney Kirisian in singles play. In doubles action, Dixon/Kirisian defeated Sandra Torres (Castroville) and Busch 8-1. CSW defaulted the remainder of the matches.

In men's action against CSW, Nolan Pritchard (Monahans) lost 6-3, 6-0 to Adam Faul at number one singles; John Langerock (Austin) lost 6-0, 6-0 to Taylor Crossland at number two; and Jeff Ivey (El Paso) lost 6-0, 6-0 to Pete Garcia at number three.

John Taylor (Godley) lost 6-0, 6-0 to Josh Baker at number four; Felix Zapien (Alpine) fell 6-0, 6-0 to Jonathan Lira at number five; and James Aldridge (El Paso) dropped 6-1, 6-0 contests to Marco Villalobos at number six.

Faul/Garcia defeated Ivey/Langerock 8-2 at number one doubles and Baker/Crossland won 8-0 against Pritchard/Taylor at number two.

Against NMMI, Prtichard lost to Greg Mitchell; Langerock was defeated by Chris Toli; Ivey lost to Sammy Ramoni; Taylor was defeated by Danny Dominguez; Joseph Torres (Alpine) lost to Roman Fulgenzi; and Zapien was defeated by Mantell Mantell, all by 6-0 scores.

In doubles, Mitchell/Toli defeated Ivey/Langerock, 8-0; Dominguez/Ramoni downed Pritchard/Taylor 8-1; and Fulgenzi/Mantell defeated Zapien/Aldridge 8-0.

SUL ROSS PROFESSOR JOINS FRIEND OF THE COURT BRIEF IN SECOND AMENDMENT CASE

Dr. Raymond G. Kessler, Sul Ross State University professor Criminal Justice, has joined the amicus curiae (friend of the Court) brief filed by criminologists, scholars and the Claremont Institute on behalf of Dick A Heller in the U.S. Supreme Court's Second Amendment case, District of Columbia v. Heller.

The brief basically argues that recognizing an individual right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment and striking down portions of Washington, D.C.'s gun law will not result in an increase in violent crime in the District or elsewhere.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia struck down parts of the District's draconian gun control law on the basis that it violated the individual right to keep and bear arms. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the District's appeal. Among other things, the District argues that the right applies only to individuals formally connected to an official, standing militia or military unit.

Oral argument is scheduled for March 18. A decision is expected in May or June. Kessler stated that he predicts a 5-4 victory for Heller in a narrowly written majority opinion authored by either Justice Kennedy or Chief Justice Roberts. This opinion, he predicts, will leave room to save federal bans on machineguns and firearms possession by convicted felons, the mentally ill, etc.

Kessler also joined the amicus brief of Academics for the Second Amendment in the Fifth Circuit case of U.S. v. Emerson. That brief argued that the Second Amendment gives individuals unconnected with any type of militia or military organization a right to keep and bear arms. The Fifth Circuit found that the Second Amendment created an individual right but upheld the federal law involving gun owners accused of domestic violence. The Supreme Court refused to hear the Emerson case.

Kessler has taught courses and written on both gun control and the Second Amendment. He will be teaching a graduate course on the Second Amendment in Fall semester, 2008.

For more information, contact Kessler, (432) 837-8166 or rkessler@sulross.edu.

SUL ROSS' LOBO VILLAGE UNIT TO GAIN "DREAM DORM DO-OVER"

by Jason Hennington, News Writer

One lucky Sul Ross State University student will have a chance to have his/her residence hall room completely redecorated by a professional.

Home and Garden Television (HGTV) host Claire Berger will visit Sul Ross Wednesday, Feb. 27 for the Dream Dorm Do-Over. Berger, host of "Fantasy Open House," will explain how to "flip" (redecorate) homes or dorm rooms during an 8 p.m. in the University Center. Her visit is sponsored by Sully Productions. At the end of the lecture, one lucky student in attendance from Lobo Village 1 or Lobo Village 2 will win a complete Dorm Do-Over. Throughout the lecture, door prizes will be given away for anybody to win, but the Dorm Do-Over is strictly for residents in Lobo Village 1 and Lobo Village 2.

After the lecture and a winner is chosen, Berger will follow the student to his/her dorm room and brainstorm redecorating ideas. The following morning, Berger and the student will go shopping with a $500 budget for supplies. The winner will only be able to redecorate his/her bedroom, not the entire unit.

For Berger, traveling across the country and redecorating dorm rooms is not new. Her resume includes visits to the University of Southern California (USC), Southern Louisiana, Illinois State, Eastern Illinois University, and the University of Wisconsin, as well as others, but for students at Sul Ross this is a first.

Prior to joining HGTV, Berger worked on television shows, including "Seinfeld," "The Ellen Show" and the first nine seasons of "Murphy Brown."

Jackie Martinez, who works for Sully Productions, said she believes students are excited about the opportunity to win professional help in redecorating.

"It's something different. I don't think Sul Ross has seen anything like this before," Martinez said. "Students get to organize their room with professional help." For more information call (432) 837-8191 or visit Berger's website www.funnyworks.com