UTPA will temporarily close the dirt property lots that were allowed for temporary parking in the late fall and spring semesters. These lots are located on VanWeek street between parking lot T-2 and 2nd street and between 2nd and 4th street. Contractors will close off the area on Saturday, 05/12/2012 early morning to begin construction of the new parking lots that are scheduled to open in Fall 2012. Vehicles will not be permitted in this area during construction. Alternative parking is recommended until the new parking lots are complete. For any questions or concerns, please contact Parking Services at 956-665-2738.

Original Post by Melissa Sandoval for Business Affairs on May, 15 2012

May 12 was a day to celebrate a brighter future for 1,631 graduates of The University of Texas-Pan American as well as for their families, the Rio Grande Valley and the nation.

UTPA President Robert S. Nelsen told the graduates at three commencement ceremonies held at the McAllen Convention Center that education pays – for a bachelor’s degree, $2 million in their lifetime of working, for a master’s degree almost double that. But Nelsen said an education is more than that.

“It (an education) is something you will always have, you can’t lose it, and no one can take it,” he said. “The bottom line is that knowledge, fulfillment, self-awareness and broadening of horizons associated with education transforms lives – the lives of students and the lives of those with whom they live and work. And it will transform the Valley.”

Nelsen said as a result of the recent VISTA Summit on Education hosted by the University, where some of the country’s most powerful foundations were invited to invest in the future of the Valley and its people, UTPA graduates will have an important role to play.

“You will walk out today as role models and mentors for so many people, many who aspire to be college graduates like you. You must remember that responsibility. Help them. Don’t forget to reach back and be there at all times,” he said. “By making the most of what you are taking away from this University, will help to make that difference.”

Nelsen also saluted the nearly 1,700 veterans who have graduated since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars began by having them stand at each ceremony.

At the 9 a.m. ceremony for the graduates in the Colleges of Science and Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science and Social and Behavioral Sciences, State Senator José Rodríguez (BA ’71) told the graduates and their family members that the memories and lessons he learned at Pan Am have been instrumental in every part of his life.

“My professors reinforced my love of learning and my drive to succeed; I am grateful for the opportunities I was offered at this institution,” he said.

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Original Post by Gail Fagan and Jennifer Berghom on May, 14 2012

When Debra Franco’s 9-year-old son Luke was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, it was the most terrifying time of her life.

“The scariest part was how we were going to connect the dots and find the resources to be successful parents for our Type 1 diabetic child and lo and behold we couldn’t find any help,” she said.

Franco gathered up strength and founded the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA) out of sheer need.

“Type 1 diabetes is a rather desperate disease and without resources you can imagine the crisis that families go through,” said Franco, who is also the president of the organization. “We connected with other families and founded this organization for emotional support, psychological support and we are connecting the dots for diabetes management.”

Franco has now joined forces with The University of Texas-Pan American’s Border Health Office and Rio Grande Regional Hospital to host the first annual Diabetes Symposium: Focusing on Children with Diabetes on Saturday, May 26. The symposium, being held at UTPA’s Student Union from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley. It is open to parents, educators, health care providers and others in the community interested in helping children with diabetes manage life with the chronic disease.

Felipe Salinas, a grant writer with UT Pan American’s Student Affairs Division, is also helping organize the conference for personal reasons. His teenage daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was only 10 years old.

“This symposium is perfect for families like ours. It is for professionals in the community, medical personnel, school personnel and families who actually have children with diabetes to come together and learn more about Type 1 and its management and living with it and we are learning from experts,” he said.

Salinas said the seminar will focus on Type 1 diabetes since it is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents, but Type 2 diabetes education will also be offered. Distinct from the far more prevalent Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity, Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that inhibits the body from producing the hormone insulin needed to convert food into energy. It requires lifelong insulin injections.

For more information about the symposium and registration details, visit www.stjda.org or call 956-631-8903.

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Original Post by Roxanne Lerma Casares on May, 10 2012

When it comes to paying for his education, every penny counts for Gerardo Castillo.

The 21-year-old Lasara native and junior at The University of Texas-Pan American relies on the earnings he makes every summer at S&S Farms in Lasara and financial aid to afford college.

But last fall, Castillo’s dreams of becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college were threatened.

Needing more money to pay for school, Castillo took a job at a local convenience store. Balancing a job with classes became too difficult for him, so he considered reducing his course load, but doing so would reduce his financial aid.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” Castillo, who is majoring in manufacturing engineering, said.

Castillo was able to receive enough financial assistance to cover his educational and living costs that semester, thanks in part to a new scholarship made available by contributions from students, alumni and the community.

UT Pan American launched its Count Me In! drive last year to boost alumni participation. The alumni participation rate reflects the percentage of alumni who make financial contributions to the University throughout the year.

“It’s about the number of graduates who give rather than the amount given,” said Yvette Padilla, director of stewardship and annual giving for UTPA. “Our alumni participation rate is low compared to our peer institutions. That is especially significant since corporations and foundations look at how supportive our alumni are as they consider the University’s requests for much-needed scholarship, research and program support. So, whether it’s $5, $50, $500 or $5,000, every gift counts.”

University staff have been reaching out to alumni, signing up graduates at commencement ceremonies. This year, UT Pan American started encouraging its currently enrolled students, even its newest Broncs, to give back to the institution.

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Original Post by Jennifer Berghom on May, 11 2012

A fourth annual celebration of faculty excellence in teaching, research, service and mentoring was held at The University of Texas-Pan American May 4.

UTPA Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Havidán Rodríguez said it is important to recognize and incentivize the achievements of faculty in the community. He called it a day of celebration.

“We celebrate the excellence of our faculty, we celebrate the contributions of our faculty and everything they do to enhance the goals and impact of The University of Texas-Pan American,” he said. “We need to work together to promote excellence in everything that we do.”

Co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the UTPA Foundation Board, the awards ceremony recognizes faculty in each of the four categories at the college and University level. The college level award is given in all seven UTPA colleges. A top University level winner is then chosen by an external committee outside the University and the University of Texas System from the list of college level winners in each of the four categories.

College level winners receive a $1,500 check and plaque. University level winners receive a $5,000 check and plaque in addition to the college level award.

Newly added this year was the category for mentorship.

UTPA President Robert S. Nelsen, who also welcomed the winning faculty members and other guests, said he tells people across the state that he has the most excellent faculty he has ever met.

He said when new faculty come to the Valley they either stay for two years or they “drink the Kool-Aid.”

“You all drank the Kool-Aid,” he told the faculty award winners. “You all know the importance of what you are doing here … how many lives you are touching. You are amazing. You give our children the chance to dream and to dream big.”

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Original Post by Gail Fagan on May, 11 2012

Download the flyer to find out more. For more information, please contact:
Dr. Laura Saenz | saenzl@utpa.edu | 956-665-7919
Nora Resendez | nmresendez@utpa.edu | 956-665-2425

Students, faculty, staff and community members, don’t miss your chance to exercise your right to vote this spring.

An early voting site for the Hidalgo County primary election will be available at The University of Texas-Pan American Student Union (first floor) on May 14-25 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., except for Sunday, May 20 when the site will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Only those registered in Hidalgo County will be able to vote at this location.

The Student Union is Building No. 4 on the UTPA Campus Map. Parking spaces will be available in Lot A, which is located south of the Student Union. Lot A is also indicated on the Campus Map.

Hidalgo County residents are asked to bring their voter registration certificate/card or a valid photo ID or driver’s license. For more information, call the Hidalgo County Elections Office at 956-318-2570.

The Student Union will also serve as a polling location for the Hidalgo County primary election on Tuesday, May 29 from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.

Original Post by Public Affairs on May, 9 2012

Gloria Gilpatrick raised her hands victoriously when she crossed the stage May 8 to receive recognition for her 30 years of service as a staff member at The University of Texas-Pan American.

Gilpatrick began her UTPA career as a clerk typist I for Minority Biomedical Support. In 1997 she was tapped as senior secretary to the dean of the new College of Science and Engineering. When that college split into two new colleges in 2009, Gilpatrick, then an administrative associate, landed in that same role in the College of Science and Mathematics Dean’s Office. She describes UT Pan Am as a place where she has been inspired and keeps learning every day.

“It is wonderful to work here with all the staff, the faculty and the students. Every day we come to work we meet different people, different students. It’s a treasure and a joy to have been part of this University for 30 years,” she said. “My goal is to touch as many people as I can and talk to as many students as I can when we go out and to encourage them to continue their education, to come to UTPA.”

Gilpatrick was among nearly 300 employees recognized at the 24th Annual Staff Employee Awards Ceremony held in the Student Union Theater. UTPA President Robert S. Nelsen was joined by UTPA division administrators in thanking each one for their years of dedicated job performance.

“You are the backbone, you are the brain, you are the brawn, you are everything. Without the staff, we’d never be able to transform this Valley. Without you, our students wouldn’t succeed. Without you life would be very, very different,” Nelsen said. “From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful, I’m grateful every day I come to this campus and I see you and I know what you do.”

During the ceremony, the University honored 195 employees who had completed working at least five years by the end of the 2011 calendar year with a plaque and University memento. Ninety-three were recognized for five years of service; 50 for 10 years of service; 25 for 15 years of service; 13 for 20 years of service; and seven for 25 years of service. Others recognized for 30 years of service were Michael Emond, Norma Ramos, Juan Francisco Mata, and Blinda Torres. Honored for 35 years of service were Esequiel Granado Jr. and Juan Ovalle.

Awards were also presented to employees whose job performance and service to the University surpassed the standard expectations of their job descriptions.

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Original Post for Public Affairs by Gail Fagan on May, 8 2012

More than 200 alumni and current students of The University of Texas-Pan American waited patiently outside the University’s Fine Arts auditorium Friday afternoon in the sweltering heat to be part of a new tradition.

They were the first recipients of the official Bronc Ring, which was designed by UTPA students for UTPA students past, present and future, and participants of the inaugural Bronc Ring Ceremony May 4.

UTPA senior Brenda Vidales said other schools, such as Texas A&M University, have similar traditions and she is glad UTPA is starting its own.

“UTPA is getting bigger and what better way to say I was a part of this than to get a class ring,” said Vidales, who is graduating this Saturday, May 12, with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on bilingual education.

Vidales said she liked the class ring’s design.

“It wasn’t too flashy; it’s simple, a really traditional ring,” she said.
Like Vidales, Ricardo Reyna, who works for The University of Texas-Pan American’s Division of Information Technology, said he wanted to be a part of the tradition, since he will be receiving his bachelor’s degree in computer information systems this Saturday after working on his degree on and off since 1979. He plans to continue his education pursuing a master’s degree in public administration.

“I remember Pan Am when it was still a college,” Reyna said. “It’s more a feeling of completion.”

The ceremony began when ring recipients entered chanting “Semper Porro, Broncs Forever” as family members and other loved ones cheered them on in the packed auditorium.

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Original Post for Public Affairs by Jennifer Berghom on May, 7 2012