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

News Release for Dec. 8, 2009

SUL ROSS’ MASH URGES STUDENTS TO “BUTT OUT” FROM SMOKING

by Jason Hennington, News Writer

Sul Ross State University helped Alpine elementary school students “MASH” the idea of smoking during the Great American Smoke Out observed during November.

MASH (Mentors Advancing Student Health), is a peer educator group that functions as a student health advisory committee at Sul Ross. MASH linked with the American Cancer Society to help raise awareness during the Great American Smoke Out, held Nov. 19. John Hughes, director of Student Health Services, and MASH president Kimberly Morrow, Alpine, visited elementary schools and the Alpine Christian School to educate children on the hazards of smoking.

“This is a good community support effort,” Hughes said. “Especially for the Great American Smoke Out.”

During their visits, Morrow stated facts and urged the importance of not smoking. She read a book called Smoking Stinks, which tells a story about a young girl who is worried about her grandfather who smokes. The story ends with the girl taking her grandfather to school and speaking about how bad smoking is for your health. Morrow, a former smoker and cancer survivor, feels this book enlightens children and enjoys reading it to help educate them.

“Reading the story Smoking Stinks to the kids was truly a special event for me,” she said. “I am also a cancer survivor (who also used to smoke) in which I am very passionate about getting involved with anything that can help educate others on such issues.”

Also during the visits Morrow entertained children by wearing a large cigarette suit to help enforce the message of not smoking.

“I'm not sure how much it really helped to wear such a costume except that it makes it fun for the kids, but also it does draw your attention to look. The costume was extremely heavy and very compact, similar to that of what smoke is like inside your lungs,” she said. “I enjoyed giving the kids a big laugh and something to remember.”

On Nov. 19, Morrow wore the suit and joined other members of the American Smoking Society on the corner of 5th St. and Holland Ave. in Alpine while holding signs insisting that nicotine is a drug, to help raise awareness.

“That was an interesting hour listening to cars and trucks honking in support of the day. Then on the 23rd, we went to the elementary school to pass out bookmarks as well,” Morrow said.

Morrow believed this campaign helps both parents and children become more aware of the dangers of smoking, and is happy to have been a part of the cause.

“This was really great in letting the parents know how we all work together to take care of the children in our community by giving them the education and support they need to such important topics,” she said. “MASH is not about drilling health topics of what not to do into someone's head.  We want to create fun activities that not only give a bit of education, but also getting others involved in helping others.  That's what we do; help others by being the voice of the students and being a great mentor.”

For more information, contact Hughes, (432) 837-8102 or jhughes@sulross.edu.

Photo: While wearing a giant cigarette, Kimberly Morrow passes out bookmarks to help raise awareness about smoking during the Great American Smoke Out at the Alpine Christian School. (photo by Jason Hennington)

Photo: Students at the Alpine Christian School listen while Kimberly Morrow reads Smoking Stinks, a book to help teach children about the dangers of smoking. (photo by Jason Hennington)

Photo: Kimberly Morrow wears a giant cigarette to help children learn the dangers of smoking. (photo by Jason Hennington)

SUL ROSS’ KESSLER FRIEND OF COURT IN SUPREME COURT SECOND AMENDMENT CASE

Dr. Raymond G. Kessler, Sul Ross State University professor of Criminal Justice, is one of the amici (friends of the court)in a brief filed in the Supreme Court case of McDonald v. Chicago.

A decision is expected by June as to whether or not the Second Amendment applies against the states, and Chicago’s civilian handgun ban is constitutional. Kessler joined the brief for petitioner McDonald filed by attorney David Kopel of the Independence Institute.  Among others joining the brief were the Congress of Racial Equality, the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association.

The brief presents data and analyses showing that handgun bans are not effective against violent crime. Such bans are, in fact, counterproductive as they deprive potential victims of an effective means of self-defense. The brief also responds to the Seventh Circuit’s opinion (not applying the Second Amendment against the states) which argued that self-defense was merely a legislatively-granted privilege. The brief demonstrates that self-defense is a fundamental right. Finally, it argues that the handgun is, overall, the most practical, effective and widely used weapon for self-defense.

Previously, Kessler joined a Supreme Court brief for respondent Heller in the Supreme Court’s 2008 D.C. v. Heller case, which invalidated D.C.’s civilian handgun ban and held that the Second Amendment gives individuals not connected to an official militia a right to keep and bear arms. Heller did not decide whether or not the Second Amendment applied against the states. Kessler also joined a brief for Emerson in the Fifth Circuit’s Second Amendment case, U.S. v. Emerson.

Kessler predicts a victory for McDonald. The final tally will probably be the same 5-4 lineup of Justices as in the Heller decision.

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

SUL ROSS FALL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES DEC. 12 AT ALPINE, UVALDE

Representative Joe Straus III, San Antonio, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, will deliver the fall commencement address at Sul Ross State University Saturday, Dec. 12.

Commencement exercises will be held at 10 a.m. in the Pete P. Gallego Center on the Alpine Campus, and at 7:30 p.m. in the Uvalde High School Auditorium for Rio Grande College graduates.

Dr. Don Smith, Professor Emeritus of Education at RGC, will be the speaker at the Uvalde exercises. A total of 227 students, 152 at Sul Ross-Alpine and  75 at RGC, are candidates for degrees.

At Alpine, Steven Bennack, visiting lecturer in Music, will play the processional, “Pomp and Circumstance,” and the recessional, “Postlude in G Major.” Dr. Esther Rumsey, associate professor of Communication, will be the mace bearer. Dr. Avinash Rangra, professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Dale Christophersen, professor of Political Science, will serve as marshals.

Sul Ross President Dr. Ricardo Maestas will deliver the welcome and confer degrees. State Rep. Pete P. Gallego will introduce Straus. Dr. David Cockrum, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, will preside over the ceremonies and announce recognitions and honors.

Richard  Zimmer, director of the Wesley Student Center, will deliver the invocation. Dr. Donald Freed, associate professor of Music, will lead the singing of “God Bless America” and “Alma Mater.”

Straus, elected Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives in January 2009, won a special election to the House in February 2005. He serves the 121st District, which includes the communities of Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills and northeast San Antonio.

During the 2007 legislative session, Straus served on the Committee on Economic Development as Vice-Chairman, the Committee on Regulated Industries, and the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars. As a member of the Regulated Industries Committee, he chaired the Subcommittee on Energy Conservation and Efficiency. Straus also served on the Select Committee on Electric Generation Capacity and Environmental Effects, which studied the state's energy demand and expected growth for the next 50 years in order to develop long-term energy plans for Texas.

Also in 2007, Straus received the Texas Public Power Association's Public Official Award for leadership and contributions to public power. He was also given the Legislative Service Award by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club for his work in the area of energy efficiency. Additionally, Straus received the Defender of the American Dream Award in 2008 from Americans for Prosperity for his record of commitment for protecting taxpayers. In 2006, Straus was selected by the then-House Speaker to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual Leadership Institute for legislators who show outstanding leadership promise and the ability to effect change.

In 2008, Texas Monthly selected Straus as one of the 35 Texans who will shape the future of the state. As a lifelong Republican, he has previously served on the Management Committee of the Bexar County Republican Party, as a precinct chairman, and on numerous campaign committees for federal, state, and local candidates. He served in the administration of President George H. W. Bush from 1989-1991 as deputy director of Business Liaison at the U.S. Department of Commerce and also in the Reagan administration as executive assistant to the Commissioner of Customs.

In 1986, he was U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith’s campaign manager in Smith’s first Congressional race. In the Texas House, Straus serves as a member of the House Republican Caucus Policy Committee.

Straus is a principal in the insurance and executive benefits firm of Watson, Mazur, Bennett & Straus, L.L.C. He is affiliated with National Financial Partners, a leading financial services company in the insurance, investments, and benefits industry.

Straus is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Political Science. He is an avid sportsman with a lifelong passion for Thoroughbred breeding. He is married to Julie Brink Straus. They have two daughters, Sara and Robyn.

SUL ROSS LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY TO GRADUATE LARGEST CLASS

The Sul Ross State University Law Enforcement Academy has an international flavor in this year’s graduating class, its largest to date.

On Friday (Dec. 11) at 6:30 pm, 21 students, including one from Canada and one from Mexico, will graduate. Kellie Powell, Alpine, Director of the Law Enforcement program, has been involved with the program since January of 2005, and says this is the biggest and most diverse class she has had. Students range in age from 20 to 40, with backgrounds that include jailers, oil field workers, dispatchers, construction, draft work, and the military.

“There is no typical academy student; they come from all walks of life,” Powell said.

Graduates and their hometowns are: Aaron Fierro and Christopher Navarette, Alpine; Timothy Endres and Josh Tulloch, Belton; James Ballard, Mitchell Johnson, Thomas Ronquillo and James Valenzuela, Fort Stockton; Kimber Gibson, Iraan; Felix Salcido, Pecos; Jaime Sanchez, Presidio; Nathan Kuberski, San Angelo; Stanley Maresch, Sonora; Jacob Cabezuela, Lorenzo Ceniceros, Andres Franco, David Haynes and Enrique Medina, Van Horn; Ryan Jack, Florence, Ky.; Joseph Waelbroeck, Millington, Tenn.; and John Clark, Ontario, Canada.

Along with the occupational diversity, the class has an international flavor. Clark, the oldest student, came from Canada to join the program. While working as a part of the Canadian police, Clark came through Alpine on vacation and decided he wanted to work in the Big Bend Ranch State Park in Presidio. He contacted Powell and they retrieved his transcripts and all the necessities to get him enrolled in the program.

“He was born in the U.S. and meets all the requirements for our program,” Powell said.

Sanchez, born in Mexico, is a naturalized citizen, and already works at the Big Bend State Park.

“After the academy, he will be in law enforcement there (Park),” said Powell.

Gibson is the youngest and only female in the group. She has a background in law enforcement that helps her fit in well with the other students.

"She does a great job. She's not intimidated by these guys and fits in really well," Powell said. "She comes from a law enforcement background so this is a second nature to her."

Students must go through a strict screening process to be selected for Academy admission. Each student has to be approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE), the Texas licensing commission for law enforcement officers.

General and criminal background checks are conducted. The student cannot have any arrest higher than a class C misdemeanor or a family violence arrest. The students' names are submitted to TCLEOSE for approval by the Academy, and they wait to receive word if they qualify.

Once approved, the students must complete 800 hours in 18 weeks to graduate from the academy. During those eighteen weeks the students study state law, traffic law, report writing, and criminal investigation. Powell also schedules the viewing of an autopsy, although it is not required by the state. She feels this is an important aspect of law enforcement.

"I think it's important that they have an experience with death," Powell said. "I don't want their first experience with death to be on the street."

Powell explains that what they are learning in the academy is helping them gain a better respect for life.

"They learn how bullets damage the body, and where to and not to strike during defensive tactics, so the autopsy gives them a better respect for life," she said.

The students also engage in various hands-on training including fire arms, defensive tactics, police driving, field sobriety, pepper spray, and have daily physical training. Michael Maciaz, Alpine, is the Physical Training Instructor (PTI) and is working on a degree in kinesiology. Maciaz attended the Cooper Institute in Dallas, which is recognized nationwide for its education in law enforcement, fire, and military education. He attended the institute specifically to become a PTI for law enforcement.

As the PTI, Maciaz stresses that togetherness and integrity are both important to be successful in the program.

"Cohesiveness is important," he said. "Around here we stress integrity a lot. It's important especially in this profession."

Maciaz also tries to stress that with faith success is inevitable.

"We try to pray after every day, because success is right around the corner if you stay close to God," he said.

Both Maciaz and Powell believe that everyone has something to contribute to the academy, and feels that everyone must understand the idea of working together.

"We stress from day one that they are a team," Powell said. "Everyone contributes to the whole. The guys with more life experience can help the younger ones who haven't been out in the world yet."

During the final week of the academy, the students underwent "Hell Day," eight hours of grueling physical training. The workout began at 5:30 a.m. at Graves Pierce Recreational Center for exercises including jumping jacks and mountain climber push-ups; a then to Jackson Field for a mile run and running up and down the bleachers. After a lunch break the day continued at the sandpit in front of Mountainside Hall for an exercise involving dragging a teammate through the sand. The day ended at the swimming pool with laps and other exercises.

"Hell Day is designed to test their heart," Powell said. "It's been a tradition since I've been here."

Powell feels that with the diversity and strong will of the students involved, that the program has done extremely well.

"We bring in strangers from different parts of the state and even the country and they leave with a kinship and sense of family that develops throughout the course," she said.

Maciaz agrees, and both believe the goal of the program has been reached every time the course ends.

"Our mission is to train the cadets to go out and be good officers of good moral character and have the desire to help the public," Powell said.

For more information, contact Powell, (432) 837-8704 or by email kpowell@sulross.edu.

Photo: The graduating class of the Law Enforcement Academy at Sul Ross State University stand together for a picture during the final week’s “Hell Day.” (photo by Jason Hennington)

Photo: Students in the Sul Ross Law Enforcement Academy drag a fellow classmate during “Hell Day” activities. (photo by Jason Hennington)