Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System

News Release for April 22, 2009

SUL ROSS CONTRIBUTES TO COLLEGE READINESS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

A $184,272 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating board will assist the Sul Ross State University Education Department in raising college readiness levels for high school juniors and seniors.

The project will determine if intensive and accelerated academic instruction and support can positively affect college readiness for students whose TAKS scores are between 2100 (passing) and 2300 (college ready). The program will serve a minimum of 50 students entering 11 th or 12 th grades for three successive years beginning in the fall of 2009 in Presidio. Intensive instruction and tutoring will be provided in mathematics, science and English/language arts. Instruction is designed to enhance college success while decreasing the need for developmental education.

"A number of area high schools are eager to participate in this program. We are so pleased that Presidio Independent School District wanted to partner with Sul Ross to provide the additional instruction for their students," said Dr. Tyra Manning associate professor and chair of the Sul Ross Education Department.

"Everyone is optimistic that this project will narrow the gap between high school graduation and college readiness and significantly enhance higher education preparedness for students who choose to continue to college."

For more information, contact Manning, (432) 837-8736 or tmanning@sulross.edu.

FORMER SUL ROSS DEAN RECEIVES TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOOK AWARD

Dr. Bruce Glasrud, retired dean of the Sul Ross State University School of Arts and Sciences, and Merline Pitre have received the 2008 Liz Carpenter Award for their book, "Black Women in Texas History," published by Texas A&M University Press.

The Liz Carpenter Award, sponsored by the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), is intended to recognize the best scholarly book on the history of women and Texas published during the calendar year. The award was announced March 25 at the TSHA annual meeting.

Glasrud, who served as dean of the Sul Ross School of Arts and Sciences from 1996 until his retirement in 2003, is also Professor Emeritus of History at California State University, East Bay. He has authored or co-authored nine books, and he edited (with Michael Searles) "Buffalo Soldiers in the West: A Black Soldiers Anthology," published by Texas A&M Press. He lives in Seguin.

Pitre is the dean of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences and History professor at Texas Southern University. She also wrote "In Struggle against Jim Crow: Lulu B. White and the NAACP, 1900-1957."

"Black Women in Texas History" draws together a multi-author narrative of the experience and impact of black American women from the time of slavery until the recent past. Each chapter, written by an expert on the era, provides a readable survey and overview of the lives and roles of black Texas women during that period.

MOISES MORALES, STACY LIND NAMED 2009 SUL ROSS MAN, WOMAN OF YEAR

Moises Morales, Fort Hancock, and Stacy Lind, El Paso, were named Sul Ross State University's 2009 Man and Woman of the Year during the annual Honors Convocation Monday evening (April 20) in Marshall Auditorium.

Morales, the son of Moses and Modesta Morales, will graduate summa cum laude in May with a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science. He has compiled an overall 3.97 grade point average, has been named to the Dean's List seven times and is the recipient of the Benedict Dowell Memorial Scholarship in 2008 and the Harry Betrand Memorial Scholarship in 2008-09.

Lind, the daughter of David Lind, Seattle, Wash., and Anya Lind, El Paso, will graduate cum laude in May with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.She has an overall 3.73 grade point average, has been named to the Dean's List four times and twice named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

"I definitely have a feeling of elation," Morales said. "The biggest surprise of the night was my parents showing up."

"This is definitely an honor being here. These gestures mean the world to me," he said.

Morales' immediate future is a busy one, including a campaign for election to the Alpine City Council, graduation, an upcoming marriage to Emma Covington, and beginning his studies for a Master's degree in Public Administration at Sul Ross.

The 2005 Fort Hancock High School graduate transferred to Sul Ross from El Paso Community College. He is a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society and Alpha Chi, the national honor society based on overall scholarship. Morales is also part of the first group of Sul Ros students selected for the Ronald McNair Scholars Program.

Lind, who plans to teach in West Texas after graduation, then to complete her Master's degree, said she was "overwhelmed" by her selection.

"I wasn't expecting this," she said. "It was a great way to end my time here at Sul Ross."

A graduate of El Paso Coronado High School, she transferred to Sul Ross from the University of Texas El Paso. At Sul Ross, she has served on the Residence Hall Association, has been a member of the Homecoming Committee and has been active in community service by tutoring people learning German and elementary students who need help learning English.

She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the international education honor society, and Alpha Chi.

The Man and Woman of the Year award is the top honor a Sul Ross senior can receive. The following departmental awards were also given at the convocation.

Animal Science

• Outstanding Equine Science Student -- Bryan Dominguez, El Paso
• Outstanding Farrier Tech Student -- Russell Garlick, Balmorhea
• Outstanding First Year Vet Tech Student -- Kristina Hernandez, Odessa
• Outstanding Second Year Vet Tech Student -- Rebecca Schreck, Alpine
• Outstanding Animal Health Student -- Julie Wondra, Great Bend, Kan.
• Outstanding Animal Production Student -- Travis Hicks, Alpine
• Outstanding Meat Science Student -- Rose Enos, Alpine
• Outstanding Animal Science Graduate Student -- Mandy McCluskey, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Behavioral and Social Sciences

• Clifford B. Casey Book Award -- Monte Piper, Sugar Land
• Outstanding History Major, Phi Alpha Theta History Award -- Houston Zachary Denson, McKinney
• Outstanding Political Science Student Award -- Moises Morales, Fort Hancock

Biology

• Outstanding Undergraduate Biology Student Award -- JoGina Gallego, Balmorhea; Patricia Roberts, Alpine
• Outstanding Graduate Biology Student Award -- Andrew Berezin, Damon
• Business Administration
• Accounting Excellence Award -- Stephanie Jackson, Spring
• Computer Science and Mathematics
• Outstanding Senior in Computer Science -- Jesus Olivas, Presidio
• Gilley Mathematics Excellence Award -- Virginia Gines, El Paso

Criminal Justice

• Outstanding Freshman Criminal Justice Student -- Kyle Anderson, San Saba
• Outstanding Sophomore Criminal Justice Student -- Karen Quiroz, Horizon City
• Outstanding Junior Criminal Justice Student -- Grace Strachan, Alpine
• Outstanding Senior Criminal Justice Student -- James Aldridge, El Paso
• Outstanding Graduate Criminal Justice Student -- Jessica Gonzalez, Alpine

Earth and Physical Sciences

• Julius Dasch Outstanding Undergraduate Geology Student -- Joseph Dishron, San Antonio
• Lance Forsythe Memorial Outstanding Graduate Student Award -- Philip Frederick, Clinton, Ill.
• Outstanding Freshman Chemistry Student -- Tara G. Calderon, Fort Stockton
• Outstanding Senior Chemistry Major -- Karen Lastovica, Missouri City

Education

• Education Excellence Award -- Jennifer Harder, El Paso; Stacy Lind, El Paso; Kristel Hester, Alpine; Talitha Raby Altgelt, Alpine; Savahna Estrada, Mission; Van Jason Valenzuela, Alpine; Karen Wallen, El Paso

Fine Arts and Communication

• Outstanding Art Student -- Kevin Ramler, Combine
• Up and Coming Art Student -- Alissandria Munoz, San Antonio
• Outstanding Freshman in Communication -- Andrew Cockrum, Sedona, Ariz.
• Outstanding Communication Major -- Ruth Love, Houston
• Freshman Theatre Student of the Year -- Robert Powell, Houston
• Outstanding Theatre Student -- Derrick Bryant, Wallisville
• Outstanding Voice Student -- W. Scott Ivey, Fort Davis
• Outstanding Woodwind Student -- Olive Rubenstein, Fort Davis
• Outstanding Percussion Student -- Matt Short, Universal City

Languages and Literature

• Outstanding Senior English Major -- William H. Darby III, Alpine
• Outstanding Senior Spanish Major -- Karen Chavira, El Paso

Natural Resource Management

• Outstanding Underclassman in Agricultural Business --Rebecca Harshfield, Sutherland
• Outstanding Upperclassman in Natural Resource Management -- Ty Walston, Johnson City
• Outstanding Conservation Biology Graduate Student -- Carrie Koennecke, Comfort
• Outstanding Upperclassman Student in Natural Resource Management -- David Mahler, Center Point
• Outstanding Graduate Student in Range and Wildlife Management-Range -- Stacy Duckett, Alpine
• Outstanding Graduate Student in Range and Wildlife Management-Wildlife -- Rennee Keleher, Alpine

Physical Education

• W.H. Perryman Scholarship -- Jacob Ramirez, Presidio

ARIZONA ECOLOGIST TO GIVE APRIL 28 SALE LEADERS IN AGRICULTURE LECTURE

Dr. Steve Archer, professor in the School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona, will present the 16 th San Antonio Livestock Exposition (SALE) Leaders in Agriculture Lecture Tuesday, April 28 at Sul Ross State University.

Archer, principal investigator in the Savanna/Woodland Ecology Laboratory, will discuss "Grassland Conservation and Management: Emerging Issues and Challenges." The talk will be at 3 p.m. in the Turner Range Animal Science Center Room 130. There is no admission charge and the public is invited.

Archer specializes in terrestrial ecosystem science and plant ecology. The Savanna/Woodland Ecology Lab is an interdisciplinary research group dedicated to the study of grassland and woodland habitats of arid regions.

Archer received a B.A. degree in Biology (1975) from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and an M.S. (1980) and Ph.D. (1983) in Rangeland Ecosystem Science from Colorado State University, Fort Collins. He also serves as an adjunct professor at New Mexico State University and previously taught at Texas A&M University. He was a visiting scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colo.; and adjunct professor, Institut Agronomique et Veterinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco.

He has lectured internationally, including Iceland, France, Argentina, Canada, Morocco, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand and Australia and is widely published in his field.

Since 1987, the San Antonio Livestock Exposition has contributed more than $850,000 to Sul Ross. The San Antonio Livestock Exposition Equine Center was named in honor of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition by the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System.

Scholarship awards are made to freshmen in agriculture and directly related areas who qualify for participation in the Sul Ross Freshman Leadership Program. Criteria for selection include strong academic performance, as well as demonstrated leadership potential indicated by involvement in 4-H, FFA, interscholastic competition, and other activities.

For more information, contact Dr. Rob Kinucan, (432) 837-8201 or kinucan@sulross.edu.

SUL ROSS WOW! BANQUET APRIL 27

Dr. Wayne Sheehan, Sul Ross State University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History, will be the featured speaker at the annual WOW! (We're On Our Way!) banquet, Monday, April 27.

Sponsored by the Sul Ross Student Ambassadors, the freshman honoring event will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Espino Conference Center, University Center. All new Sul Ross freshmen (enrolled from summer 2008 through spring semester 2009) are invited to enjoy a free buffet. Class schedules will be modified to accommodate the banquet.

Theme of this year's banquet is "Monopoly...Pass Go and Collect an Education."

For more information, contact Office of Enrollment Management, (432) 837-8432.

SUL ROSS EMPLOYEES TO BE HONORED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE APRIL 24

Twelve Sul Ross State University employees, with a combined 290 years of service, will receive longevity awards Friday, April 24.

The public ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on the second floor foyer, University Center.

Employees and years of service include:

• 40 Years: Dr. Dale Christophersen, Behavioral and Social Science
• 35 Years: Cora Chavez, Wildenthal Library
• 30 Years: Maggie Miller, University Center; Dr. Paul Will, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences; Angela Bermudez, Post Office; Dr. Robert Overfelt, Rio Grande College (to be presented at RGC commencement May 16)
• 25 Years: Dr. Barney Nelson, Languages and Literature
• 20 Years: Johnnie Holbrooks, University Department of Public Safety; Merced Muniz, Physical Plant; Dr. Beverly Six, Languages and Literature; Dr. Robert Kinucan, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences; Gregory Schwab, Enrollment Management

STUDENT'S INITIATIVE PROVIDES IMPETUS FOR SUL ROSS MARIACHI BAND

by Steve Lang, News and Publications

Jose Guevara's love of mariachi music has led to the formation of a Sul Ross State University band, and by fall semester 2009, a class in mariachi instruction.

In early April, "Mariachi Lobos del Desierto," less than two months after its formation, made its debut at the Relay for Life Multicultural Extravaganza in Marshall Auditorium. Playing the guitarron (bass), Guevara anchors an eight-member group that includes Marilyn Dieckert, Alpine, flute; Karla Villasenor, El Paso, violin and vocals; Eli Elizaldez, El Paso, trumpet; and guitarists Joseph Leyva, Alpine; Jacob Sanchez, Pecos; Gilberto Lujan, Alpine; and Dr. Justin Badgerow, assistant professor of Music, who also serves as the group's adviser.

"I love mariachi; it is how I identify myself. I am Mexican-American and this is a strong part of my culture and heritage," said Guevara, a Sul Ross freshman.

Mariachi is a type of musical group, dating from the mid-1800s from Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico. Usually a mariachi consists of at least three violins, two trumpets, one Mexican guitar, one vihuela (a high-pitched, five-string guitar) one guitarrón (a small-scaled acoustic bass) and occasionally a harp. They dress in silver studded charro outfits with wide-brimmed hats.

Guevera was born in Ojinaga and moved with his family to Presidio in the sixth grade. He became involved in the school's music program as a freshman, and instrument by instrument, expanded his musical prowess. He now plays percussion, bassoon, guitarron, bass guitar and is beginning to learn the violin, owned by his grandfather, the late Jesus Guevara, a noted Ojinaga musician.

"My music experience started in Presidio," he said. "I started out on percussion, and by 2006, the band director, John Ferguson, offered to teach me the bassoon."

Soon after, Guevara -- with the urging of Jose "Taro" Gutierrez, assistant band director and mariachi instructor -- started learning the guitarron. He continued to progress and by his senior year in high school, Guevara joined both the Resonators band and Mariachi Santa Cruz.

"The guitarron (bass) has to be precise; you must keep the same tempo," Guevara said."Rhythm is key to the success of the band."

Enrolling at Sul Ross in the fall of 2008, Guevara joined the Sul Ross Woodwind Ensemble, playing the bassoon. He also started taking bass guitar lessons with music instructor Steve Bennack. Shortly before the end of fall semester, wearing his mariachi jacket, he ran into Badgerow.

"Dr. Badgerow saw it and said it would be awesome to have a band, but the music department did not have a guitarron," said Guevara. "I said, 'I have my own,' and we got started."

Guevara sent out flyers to determine interest, and Badgerow assisted.

"Little by little, we got people interested, and it came together," Guevara said.

"Jose had asked that I assist him in the formation of the group, particularly, serving as the adviser," said Badgerow. "I have taken all the steps for the group to formally become a club on campus."

In addition, Badgerow supplied some mariachi music, then joined the band, learning how to play the guitar.

"Learning the guitar has been great fun!" he said "The other musicians teach me the proper fingerings and strum patterns on the guitar."

While he has an affinity for folk music, "I have never really worked with mariachi music or musicians before," said Badgerow. "Right now, we meet once a week for rehearsals where we work on selecting and rehearsing music. We are trying to establish a set of pieces that will become our standard 'repertoire';that is, a set of tunes that we can play at any given time. We work on the basic style, rhythm, and ensemble precision in an attempt to make the music as crisp and clean as possible."

"Mariachi Lobos del Desierto (Mariachi Lobos of the Desert)" hope to perform in the upcoming Cinco de Mayo festival in Alpine, scheduled May 2. In addition, the Sul Ross music program has added a mariachi class for fall semester.

"It will be led by Dr. Michael Lippard," said Badgerow. "He has some good guitar background and obviously since he is our wind ensemble director, he brings the experience of leading groups of musicians. I would encourage all students to consider it if they are interested in mariachi music."

Guevara, meanwhile, continues to expand his musical versatility.

"The violin has been the hard part," he said. "I needed to learn to read the treble clef after working in the bass clef with the guitar and guitarron. I try to practice an hour a day with a different instrument each day."

The violin holds special significance.

"I never knew my grandfather, who died before I was born," he said. "I hope by learning to play the violin, I can establish a connection with him. My father tells me I look like him when I play."

For more information, contact Guevara, (432) 295-1331 or jguevara@sulross.edu; or Badgerow, 837-8222 or jbadgerow@sulross.edu.

PAINTINGS BY JACOB SÁNCHEZ AT SUL ROSS ART GALLERY

Sul Ross State University student Jacob Sánchez's paintings will be on display in the Main Gallery, Francois Fine Arts Building.

A closing reception will be held on Friday, May 1 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sánchez, Monahans, received his bachelor's in English from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 2006, and entered the Sul Ross art program in 2007.

Painting in oils, he conveys his fascination with symbology, which he uses to portray divine influence, creation, and rebirth. His skeletons also represent the cycle of life, invoking celebration as opposed to morbidity, much like the images of clothed and otherwise happy skeletons that permeate Mexican culture, especially during El Día de los Muertos.

He uses borders to create microcosmic universes behind the picture plane, while reflecting his interest in old doors and arch windows as well as church retablos. His works express a strong array of visual symbolism, influenced by medieval religious art and Aztec stone carvings, as well as Buddhist mandelas and other forms of sacred representations.

For more information, contact (432) 837-8218.

"LA VICTIMA" ON STAGE APRIL 24-MAY 2 AT SUL ROSS

"La Victima," a bilingual play that documents the lives of a Mexican family's struggles with life in America, runs Friday-Sunday April 24-26 and Friday-Saturday, May 1-2 at Sul Ross State University.

Performances are scheduled at 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26 in the Studio Theatre, Francois Fine Arts Building. Tickets are $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for students and senior citizens. Sul Ross students, faculty and staff are admitted free of charge with current Sul Ross ID.

"La Victima" is written by El Teatro de las Esperanza, a San Francisco-based national theatre company. The play focuses on a family's search for cultural identification during the Depression era. Amparo, a Mexican woman who has crossed the border numerous times in search of a better life, loses her child and destiny brings them back together after many years, just to be separated again.

Sammy, a Mexican-American, is faced with a difficult decision when he takes a job with the U.S. Border Patrol and is put in charge of arresting and interrogating the people from the 1960 raids.

The story is told from various points of view, while a mariachi trio reminds the audience of the cultural struggle each character must face.

For more information, call (432) 837-8218.

ALPHA CHI INITIATION APRIL 27 AT SUL ROSS

Twenty-two Sul Ross State University students will be initiated into the Texas Chi Chapter of Alpha Chi Monday, April 27.

Initiation ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. at Kokernot Lodge.

Initiates, their hometowns and majors include:

SUTHERLAND, NEB.: Rebecca Harshfield, Equine Science

ALPINE: Veronica Lynn Alvarez, English; Lorenzo G. Bárcena, Political Science; Rhonda S. Burch, Vocational Nursing; Zachary G. Criddle, Natural Resource Management; Julie A. Lejsal, Animal Science; Grace Louise Strachan, Criminal Justice; Nicole C. Teague, Political Science; Melinda Sue Valenzuela, Business Administration

ALVIN: Sheryl Bitner, Biology

BALMORHEA: Jo Gina Gallego, Biology

DEL RIO: Mariana Hope Viggato, Music

DICKINSON: David Peikert, Meat Science

EL PASO: Stacy Erin Lind, Elementary Education

IOLA: Mark Allen Tyson, Natural Resource Management

JOHNSON CITY: Kendall A. Smith, Natural Resource Management

MIDLAND: Travis Blake Fletcher, History

PIPE CREEK: Sarah E. Jewett, Equine Science

PRESIDIO: M. Elvira Hermosillo, Communication; Jacob Ramirez, Kinesiology

SUGAR LAND: Benfard Hicks, Jr., Education; Monte Piper III, History

Returning members are: Christian Celis, Marfa, Business Administration; Stephanie Jackson, Spring, Business Administration; Adriana Santillan Galindo, Presidio, Psychology; Karen M. Lastovica, Alpine, Chemistry; and Julie Kristel Hester, Snyder, Interdisciplinary Studies.

Alpha Chi, the Phi Beta Kappa of small universities, is an interdisciplinary honor society whose membership is limited to the top 10 percent of juniors and seniors. Sul Ross' chapter, Texas Chi, chartered in 1926, is one of the oldest in the nation. There are over 300 Alpha Chi chapters nationwide, and Sul Ross was the 22nd chartered.

STUDENT RECITAL, MARFA TRIO CONCERT APRIL 24 AT SUL ROSS

Sul Ross State University's Music Department will host a student recital and lecture and performance by the Marfa Trio on Friday, April 24.

The Marfa Trio, a piano trio of Austin-based musicians pursuing graduate degrees at the University of Texas at Austin, will give a lecture at 9 a.m. Friday, April 24 in Francois Fine Arts Building, Room 200. At 7:30 p.m., the trio will perform masterworks by Haydn, Martini and Brahms in Marshall Auditorium.

At noon Friday, the spring student recital will be held in the Studio Theatre, Francois Fine Arts Building. A wide selection of pieces will be performed by numerous vocalists and instrumentalists, even a new work composed by music major Matt Short for flute and piano.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Dr. Justin Badgerow, (432) 837-8222 or jbadgerow@sulross.edu.