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Grads mark a major milestone with Fall Commencement
President Robert S. Nelsen shook the hands of more than 1,300 Broncs as he presented them with their diplomas on Dec. 17 during the Fall 2011 Commencement ceremonies. The graduates heard from three UT Pan American alumni throughout the day who encouraged them to take risks, help others and always remember where they came from. "Stay grounded folks, it is the only way you are going to succeed. Stay adventurous and have fun out there. And most of all, stay Valley," said Minerva Perez (BA '81), commencement speaker and award-winning broadcast journalist and TV show host.
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Ronnau tapped to lead CHSHS
Dr. John Ronnau, the director of and a professor in the school of social work at the University of Central Florida, will take charge of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services as its new dean starting Feb. 1. "It is a great opportunity to be part of a dynamic, vibrant, growing institution with such an important mission," Ronnau said. He will replace Dr. Janice Maville, who served as interim dean while the University searched for a new college head.
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Andai named endowed chair in fine arts
Violinist Daniel Andai has performed in major concert venues across five continents and has played for U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and even actor Robert Redford. These are just a few of Andai's achievements over the years. The soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, recording artist and concertmaster will add another accomplishment to his list as the recently selected Marialice Shary Shivers Endowed Chair in Fine Arts at UT Pan American.
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Autism research looking to go global
Since "Behavior Breakthroughs" was made available earlier this year, the app has been downloaded more than 18,000 times. UTPA faculty member Dr. Cheryl Fielding, who collaborated on the video game-based technology used to train caregivers of children with autism or other developmental disorders deal with challenging behavior, is looking to deliver the technology to caregivers in different parts of the world.
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USDA scientists, UTPA students to study giant reeds in Rio Grande
Six UT Pan American students will work closely with USDA scientists this year as they study the Arundo donax, a giant reed considered a threat to the Rio Grande River basin. The students will serve as interns on the USDA Agricultural Research Service biocontrol project. "It is a chance for a student to help maybe make a change and have an impact on the Valley. Our data may be used to help preserve the environment here," said biology major Andromeda Marez.
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FibeRio opens new facility in McAllen
The first technology start-up company at UTPA, FibeRio Technology Corp., recently moved its headquarters from the University campus to its new digs in south McAllen. The company, which provides a more affordable way to make nanofibers, has grown into a viable business venture benefitting UT Pan American and the Rio Grande Valley economy.
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Student organization distributes toys to local children
The Student Association for Medical Spanish at UT Pan American and the Habitat for Humanity teamed up to make the holidays a little brighter for more than 70 families living in area colonias. On Dec. 10, student organization delivered more than 300 toys to children in need with assistance from Nuestra Clinica del Valle. This is the second year the group has hosted the toy drive.
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Coastal Studies Lab helps keep public safe
Since September the Coastal Studies Lab has been assisting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department monitor the phenomenon of the red tide along the Texas Coast, which has killed more than 3 million fish. "By monitoring Red Tide conditions, the CSL provides a public service," said Brigette Goza, CSL research assistant and coordinator of education outreach programs.
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Couple's scholarship endowment to make dreams come true
Rick and Diane Teter love nothing more than a good adventure. Together the couple have operated a cattle ranch in East Texas, studied nursing together and began careers in higher education in the Rio Grande Valley at the same time. With the creation of the Xanadu R&D Nursing Scholarship Endowment, the Teter's want to help others turn their dreams into adventures.
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Home sweet alumni home
More than 100 alumni and friends, gathered Dec. 8 to celebrate the official opening of the first-ever UT Pan American Alumni Center. The 4,000-square-foot center, which houses the Office of Alumni Relations and UTPA Alumni Association, is now ready to welcome its Broncs back home. President Robert S. Nelsen called the establishment of the center "a labor of love" and a way to give back to the more than 60,000 UTPA alumni, near and far.
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Homecoming Weekend 2012 set for Feb. 17-18
Alumni and friends, it's time to come home to Bronc Country. Mark your calendars for Homecoming Weekend Feb. 17-18 and get ready to have a great time. Enjoy an elegant evening of dining and dancing until midnight at the Alumni Ball on Feb. 17 where outstanding alums and devoted friends will be honored for their service and dedication to UT Pan American. If you are a member of the Class of 1962 or earlier, join us for a walk down memory lane at the 50+ Reunion Luncheon on Feb. 18 and catch up with former Broncs. Alumni from all eras, let's fire up the grill at the Bronc Madness Tailgate Feb. 18 from 3-7 p.m. and show your school allegiance before the start of the Men's Basketball game against Chicago State University at the Fieldhouse. To learn more about the Homecoming Weekend activities, call (956) 665-2500.
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UTPA hoopsters home for the holidays
What a better way to spend the holiday season than with the UTPA Broncs. From Dec. 29 through Jan. 3, the men's and women's basketball teams will play a string of home games at the UTPA Fieldhouse. Come out and support the Broncs on the following game days: Women's Basketball-Dec. 28 vs. UT Arlington, 7 p.m. and Jan. 2 vs. Our Lady of the Lake, 7 p.m. Men's Basketball-Dec. 29 vs. UT Arlington, 7 p.m.; Dec. 31 vs. Tulane University, 7 p.m.; and Jan. 3 vs. State University of New York-Oswego. For information or tickets, call (956) 665-2221 or visit
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2012 Hall of Fame Class announced
A former track and field and cross country coach, ex-Bronc athletes in the sports of baseball, golf and track and field will be inducted into the 2012 Athletics Hall of Fame class Saturday, January 28, 11 a.m., at the UTPA Ballroom. In addition, nominated for the Hall of Honor is former University President Dr. Ralph F. Schilling, who was credited for heading up one of the most successful eras of Bronc Athletics.
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Longtime professor earns award for excellence
Congratulations to Dr. Victor Alvarado, professor of educational psychology, who was awarded the Summum Bonum Award for Excellence in Teaching from Crestron Electronics Inc. The award, presented twice a year to deserving professors and teachers, celebrates the educator's passion for improving student achievement and his impact on student's lives.
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Happy Holidays - and Happy New Year - from Bronc Country!
By the time you read this message, the UT Pan American campus will be a rather quiet place - with our more than 19,000 students already headed out for the holiday break and the faculty and staff putting the finishing touches on the fall semester.
We will have just awarded over 1,300 hard-earned and well-deserved degrees to the fall class of 2011 and celebrated three great alumni who delivered special messages to the new grads during our three commencement ceremonies on December 17 (yes, it takes that many ceremonies to graduate everyone). Thanks again to Minerva Pérez (BA '81), J.D. Salinas (MPA '02), and Joe Quiroga (BBA '00) for returning to their alma mater to share their thoughts and wise counsel as our fall commencement speakers. What great stories they had to tell - and what great role models they are for all of our students.
Now that things are a little quieter around campus, it has given me time to pause and think about all the things for which I am thankful as 2011 comes to a close.
First and foremost, the Pan Am family - sí, somos familia. Jody and I will be celebrating our second anniversary as Broncs on January 1, 2012, the anniversary of the day we moved into the dorms. We love UT Pan American - its students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, donors, friends; we love the Rio Grande Valley-the wonderful people who have made us feel so welcome and so much a part of the community from day one. Bottom line: The Nelsens, as we would say from where I come, "ain't goin' nowhere."
I want to send a very special "thank you" to the UT Pan American Foundation and to the Alumni Association - who recently helped us open our new Alumni Center. These dedicated partners are crucial as we move forward; we need champions like them. And a special "thank you" to our local legislators and politicians; thank you for advancing our students' cause.
Finally, "thank you" to everyone who has been a part of the UT Pan Am story this year. We've had some challenging times, for sure, but our faculty, our staff, and our students have shown the state and the nation just how important this University is and how much can be accomplished when we all work together.
So the year ends, and another begins. May you and yours have the happiest of holidays and a new year filled with joy and peace. ¡Mano a mano, seguimos adelente!
Sincerely,
Robert S. Nelsen
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A Special Holiday Message from Bronc Country.
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| UTPA President Robert S. Nelsen wants to hear what is on your mind. This is your chance to ask the president questions and receive a personal response from the University leader. Click here and ask away. Dr. Nelsen is ready to listen and respond. |
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The College of Arts and Humanities continues to have the highest Semester Credit Hours among the seven colleges. The English department has the highest number of SCH, followed by History and Communication. (OIRE Academic Planning Statistics Report - Fall 2010) |
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University Advancement
The University of Texas-Pan American
1201 W. University Drive, ITT 1.210
Edinburg, Texas 78539
(956) 665-5070
mano-a-mano@utpa.edu
www.utpa.edu/mano-a-mano
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