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Points of Pride for April 18-24, 2015

Texas A&M University-San Antonio presents multi-disciplinary student research symposium

On April 17-18, Texas A&M-San Antonio hosted its inaugural Student Research Symposium, featuring research from the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business and the College of Education & Human Development. Over 150 undergraduate and graduate students presented research over the two-day symposium with oral presentations, round-table discussions and poster demonstrations.

Students with poster presentations displayed their research on the fourth floor in the Central Academic Building. Click on the picture above for the full album.

Students with poster presentations displayed their research on the fourth floor in the Central Academic Building. Click on the picture above for the full album.

As part of the symposium, two workshops were offered to participating students and audience members-"Next Step: Grad School" and "Secrets to Managing Your Research-giving advice on selecting a graduate program, building successful applications and organizing resources. Dr. Brent M. Snow, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, gave keynote remarks at the luncheon.

Angeles Miguens, a student in the College of Education & Human Development, gives an oral presentation on her research on

Angeles Miguens, a student in the College of Education & Human Development, gives an oral presentation on her research on "Mindfulness as a Self-Care Tool."

photo of students at Health and Safety FairCriminology program hosts two Mothers Against Drunk Driving events on campus

The criminology program hosted two MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) events on campus during Bexar County Crime Victims' Rights Week on April 9. At the MADD Health and Safety Fair on the West Lawn, more than 20 exhibitors provided students and faculty with information regarding health and safety services available in the community, as well as internship and volunteer opportunities. Students tried out the New Braunfels Police Department's DWI simulator and field sobriety tests were administered by the San Antonio Police Department's SAFFE (San Antonio Fear Free Environment) unit to students wearing drunk goggles, allowing students to see the effects of alcohol. A drunk driving impacted vehicle was also on display, giving students an up-close look at the devastating impact of impaired driving. Other exhibitors included Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Department of Public Safety, MADD, San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Habitat for Humanity, CASA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House, and many others. Dr. Brenda Rowe, assistant professor of criminology and organizer of the event, was interviewed by Time Warner Cable News regarding the event and the need to bring awareness to crime victims' rights. Criminology students assisted with the MADD Health and Safety Fair, as did Dr. Claire Nolasco, assistant professor of criminology.

Photo of balloon releaseThe second MADD event hosted by the criminology program on campus was MADD's Celebration of Life, an uplifting, hope-filled ceremony held in the Grand Courtyard in front of the Central Academic Building which allowed families in the local community and those in the university community who have been impacted by drunk and drugged driving to pay tribute to loved ones lost to drunk and drugged driving crashes. Dr. Rowe gave the welcoming remarks on behalf of the criminology program. Following the reading of a poem by Mandy Fultz, MADD Victim Services Advocate, there was a balloon release and the families decorated flower pots in remembrance of their loved ones. Victim Impact Memory Boards, which displayed victims' photographs, surrounded Seal Circle, providing a space for reflection. Following a time of fellowship as the families enjoyed refreshments and gave support to one another, Gloria Vasquez, Executive Director of the MADD South Texas Affiliate, gave the closing remarks. Criminology students assisted with the MADD Celebration of Life ceremony, as did Dr. Philip Levchak, assistant professor of criminology.

On April 9, MADD Internship Coordinator Laila El-Far and the MADD interns also spoke to students in two criminology classes about internship opportunities with the MADD South Texas Affiliate. The MADD interns spoke with Criminology students about the variety of valuable experiences they have gained through their internships with MADD, including serving as court monitors who gather data on DWI case processing and sentencing practices in the local courts, going on police ride-alongs, and organizing activities to promote awareness of the impact of drunk and drugged driving and to support victims of drunk and drugged driving.


Holocaust survivor speaks at A&M-SA

On April 21, Ms. Rose Williams, a Holocaust survivor, recounted her personal story of courage and survival at the Auschwitz concentration camp. Faculty, staff and students attended her fascinating and emotional presentation.

After Ms. Williams spoke, she received a standing ovation and many of the attendees remained after the presentation to meet with her.

Dr. Edward B. Westermann, associate professor of history and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, presented Ms. Williams with a University gift package.

Photo of Rosa Williams' presentationPhoto of Dr. Westermann giving Rose Williams a gift


University professor selected as a 2015 Headliner

Dr. Jerry Townsend, adjunct faculty in communications-journalism, was named Education Headliner by the Association for Women in Communications San Antonio Professional Chapter (AWCSA). The AWCSA has been honoring community leaders who have made exceptional contributions in professional, volunteer and civic areas for more than 60 years. He will be honored at the 35th Annual Headliner Awards Gala in June.


Biology students present at regional Parasitologists meeting

Five undergraduate A&M-SA biology students, Alfonso Vazquez, Michelle Ximenez, Amarillys Barquin, Tessa Owens and Kalin Skinner, accompanied by Dr. Megan Wise de Valdez, assistant professor of biology and biology program coordinator, attended the Southwestern Association of Parasitologists meeting at the University of Oklahoma Biology Station in Lake Texoma, Oklahoma to share their current research projects. Two students, Kalin Skinner and Amarillys Barquin, presented research on feral hog parasites of Texas and mosquito species distribution across San Antonio. Kalin won the Mark Dresden Award for the best undergraduate presentation.

Photo of biology students


Biology Club students sold aloe vera, cilantro and basil plants to celebrate Earth Day

Biology Club students sold aloe vera, cilantro and basil plants to celebrate Earth Day.

The University Library, the College of Education & Human Development and the Jaguar Writing Center presented activities to celebrate and raise awareness for Earth Day.

The University Library, the College of Education & Human Development and the Jaguar Writing Center presented activities to celebrate and raise awareness for Earth Day.

The English Department celebrated Shakespeare's 451st birthday with cake, performances, and sonnet readings

The English Department celebrated Shakespeare's 451st birthday with cake, performances, and sonnet readings.


Festival de Cascarones countdown in 2 days!

Festival de Cascarones flyer

Stay up to date for our 4th annual Fiesta San Antonio event on April 26 by visiting our official website for Festival de Cascarones. On the website are event details, entertainment lists, a map of the University and directions and information about parking.


fiesta medal imageUniversity Fiesta Medal featured

The University Fiesta Medal was featured on KENS-5 as a featured medal. Click here to view the story. You can get your Fiesta Medal at the University Bookstore for just $10.


The Educational & Cultural Arts Center will be CLOSED from Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26. 

Flyer of upcoming ECAC events

Arte y Tradicion de La Frontera: The U.S.-Mexico Borderlands in the Works of Santa Barraza and Carmen Lomas Garza is running from January 30 through May 24 and the Texas Size Breach exhibition is open from March 12 through June 14.

The Educational & Cultural Arts Center is open from Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Monday. For more information about current and upcoming exhibitions, visit the ECAC website.