PACfest 2007 Thank You

Dear Colleagues,

Dr. Daniel Rodriguez and I would like to thank everyone from Palo Alto College, the Fiesta Commission, and the wonderful folks at District who helped make PACfest 2007 a highly successful official Fiesta San Antonio event. A special “Thank You” also goes out to PAC’s Student Services Fee Advisory Committee for authorizing the expenditure of funds that allowed us to have such high caliber entertainment—Retrofit, Rick Trevino, Grupo Fantasma, and Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz.

We especially want to thank the PACfest Committee, as well as everyone in Maintenance and Facilities Services for all of their work before, during and after PACfest. We also want to thank all the student volunteers who worked booths, and served as runners and “jacks-of-all-trades” all the way from 7 in the morning until almost 9 o’clock at night. Without everyone’s help, it never would have gotten done.

Dan and I would also like to thank our loyal and hardworking staff, but most importantly, our Office Supervisors, Nancy De La Torre and Jennifer Mejia, who really carried the weight of PACfest 2007 on their shoulders, and remained behind in the office to ensure the work and requisition forms were processed while Dan and I attended the numerous Fiesta San Antonio events to promote PACfest. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Sylvia Martinez for “shadowing” our every move regarding PACfest, and ensuring we didn’t overlook anything.

We also want to thank everyone who had a good time and spent their hard earned money at PACfest! In the next few days, please take a moment to email us and let us know what areas we need to improve on for next year, or give us your ideas for something new to try.

Finally, we want to single out Dora Ruffner, in whose honor (along with Rick Bonnell) that we dedicated PACfest 2007. Dora was a loyal PACfest Committee Member who attended every meeting until her illness prevented her from doing so. Dora advocated passionately for the entertainment line-up to include two dance segments so that her students could showcase their talents and perform in front of their peers.

With Sincere Appreciation to Everyone,
Dr. Dan Rodriguez
Vincent Bosquez
PACfest Co-Chairs

Your PACfest Committee:
Dr. Barrera, Alice Martinez, Anita Soliz, Frank Guevara, Ginny Stowitts, Irma Herrera, Jane Velasquez, Joel De La Rosa, John Libby, Juan Tejeda, Leandro Esparza, Luis Mercado, Lydia Trevino, Mario Ramirez, Michelle Vargas, Patty Medina, Robert Ramirez, Robert Triana, Ruben Tello, Tony Westbrook, Weldon Riggs and Yolanda Reyes

Bereavement Notice

From the Sunday edition of the San Antonio Express-News:

Obituary: Dancer Ruffner taught at UIW, Palo Alto
Web Posted: 04/28/2007 07:48 PM CDT
Carmina Danini
Express-News

Dora Ruffner, an accomplished dancer, choreographer and yoga instructor who strived to bring wellness and the arts together, has died at 50.

She died of cancer Wednesday, her family said.

Ruffner was an associate professor of dance at Palo Alto College and was teaching yoga this semester at the University of the Incarnate Word.

Until about three years ago, she was the UIW community wellness coordinator, a position she held for 13 years.

At Trinity University, she taught jazz, modern dance and ballet for a year.

At the time of her death, she was pursuing a doctorate in dance at Texas Woman's University in Denton.

Mexico's Aztec dance was the emphasis of her thesis, said Amy Safrankova, an actress in New York City and the oldest of Ruffner's two daughters.

"She had been researching this for many years," Safrankova said.

"It was very important work to her."

Ruffner had recently been in Puebla, Mexico, to continue her research.

At UIW, she changed the culture, said Margaret Mitchell, professor of theater arts at the university.

"Instead of the whistle-wielding athletic type who would fit in with some of the good old boys around the water cooler, a kind of malevolent good fairy arrived, in sandals and linen, a soul aware of herself on multi-levels with a kind of pixie dust trailing behind her down the hall," Mitchell said in a speech last October when Ruffner received the Center Stage Award from the San Antonio Dance Umbrella, an organization that supports dance and dancers.

Until Ruffner's arrival on campus, yoga had not been taught at UIW.

"Hundreds of students practice yoga at UIW because of Dora's teaching. The wellness curriculum that Dora was so instrumental in developing is part of the core curriculum," Mitchell said.

In workshops, Ruffner included elements of yoga and dance meditation with contemporary movement.

"I'm combating the idea that wellness means you have to eat carrots and jog," she once said.

A trained dancer, the Colorado native received a master's degree in dance education from New York University, was an adjunct instructor at NYU and was an instructor and assistant to the director at the Milton Feher School of Dance and Relaxation in New York.
cdanini@express-news.net

Update on Bonnell Service

This email was sent by the PR Department to all faculty and staff members:

Memorial Services for Richard W. Bonnell, Sr. will be on Thursday, April 26, at 6 PM.

Location: Peace Room, First Baptist Church of Universal City.

Address: 1401 Pat Booker Road, Universal City, Texas 78148

Church telephone: (210) 658-6394

In honor of the celebration of Rick’s life, his wife, Carol, has requested that absolutely no flowers be sent and that those attending wear bright, happy colors – No black. This is to be a celebration of his life and not a mourning of his passing. Rick was the father of one son, Richard Jr., and was taking course work for a General Business Ph.D. at Capella University.

Donations to the church building fund or to the church mission fund will be accepted. Their favorite charities are: Mexico Orphanage and Mission Ventures. Make check payable to: FBCUC (First Baptist Church of Universal City) with an entry at the bottom; “In memory of Rick Bonnell”, followed by the charity of your choice (Building Fund, Mexico Orphanage, or Mission Ventures).

Please keep his wife and family in your prayers.

Bereavement Notice

Richard W. Bonnell Sr., an instructor of Logistic Management at Palo Alto College, passed away Friday.

A news report notes that Mr. Bonnell, 61, lost control of his motorcycle while traveling west on FM 1340, about five miles west of Hunt. DPS confirms Mr. Bonnell was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Counselors at Palo Alto College are available to assist with your grief. Please keep his wife and family in your prayers.We will provide more details as they become available.

PAC Update

VIRGINIA TECH “CELEBRATION OF LIFE” MEMORIAL SERVICE

Cindy Waterhouse, a student at Palo Alto College, is organizing a “Celebration of Life” memorial service for the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy to be held on campus in the “Free Speech” area on Monday, April 23 at 11 a.m. She is inviting a deacon to officiate a “Moment of Silence”, a college philosophy professor to share some thoughts on the tragedy, and a fellow student who will sing a couple of songs. The memorial will end with the release of 32 orange and maroon balloons; each balloon will have the name of a fallen Virginia Tech student.


VOTE FOR SANDRA HOOD AS “LIBRARIAN IDOL”

From the “Save Half on Books” website: Librarian Idol contestants from Private Schools, Independent Libraries and Universities will compete for the "Independent Librarian Idol" title. The independent librarian with the most votes by September 15, 2007 will win $500 in FREE books for their library!

Click on the link: http://savehalfonbooks.com/Idol/section8.asp
And vote for Sandra!! And yes, you may vote early and vote often!!!

Free Movie Passes

The Department of Public Relations has just received free movie passes for "you and a guest" to attend a preview screening of "The Condemned" on Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the AMC Huebner Oaks, 11075 IH-10 West. An adrenalin-charged action thriller, The Condemned stars World Wrestling Entertainment Superstar Steve Austin as Jack Conrad, a death-row prisoner in a corrupt Central American prison who is purchased by a wealthy television producer to take part in an illegal reality game show. Please note the film is rated "R." The ticket advises to arrive early and the pass does not guarantee admission since seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Come by the PR Office located in ADM 112 for your free pass.

Moment of Silence

Virginia Tech has scheduled a convocation for 2 p.m. (EST) today for its university to come together to begin dealing with yesterday's tragedy. In a sign of solidarity and support, I would like to encourage everyone to observe a moment of silence at 1 p.m. (CST) today for the entire Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University community during its time of grief.

PAC in the News

The front page photo--top of the fold--of Saturday's San Antonio Express-News featured PAC's very own Juan Ortiz has he conducts 557 mariachis for 10 minutes in an attempt for a Guinness World Record during the festivities for the Museo Alameda del Smithsonian Friday night. I'll keep you posted on the developments!

In Sunday's Express-News, in the supplemental "College Guide," former PAC student Keith Mumford is featured in an ACCD ad wearing his Emergency Medical Technician uniform. Keith was the first graduate of PAC's Corporate & Community Education's EMT program.

Malin Alegria to visit Palo Alto College

Everyone is cordially invited to attend “Estrella’s Quinceanera” in the Palo Alto College Performing Arts Center , room 100B, on Wednesday, April 25 at 11 a.m. Refreshments will be served after the presentation.

According to the Simon and Schuster website, Malín Alegría is the author of Estrella's Quinceañera. She is an accomplished educator, dancer, and actress who has co-written and performed in several stage plays. Ms. Alegría lives in San Francisco . Estrella’s Quinceanera was published in hardback last year by Simon and Schuster. Due to its popularity, it’s being released in paperback in May 2007. Ms. Alegria has a new book “Sofi Mendoza’s Guide to Getting Lost in Mexico ” also set for release in May 2007 by Simon and Schuster, a rare feat for a new author!

A synopsis from Ms. Alegria’s website on “Estrella’s Quinceanera”:

“Estrella Alvarez is turning fifteen, and she’s not happy about it. For as long as she can remember, her mother has been planning an elaborate quinceañera, complete with a mariachi band, cheesy decorations, and a hideous dress. Estrella is so over it. She’d much rather have an understated party at a posh restaurant downtown--that way, she can invite her two best friends from private school, who have no idea Estrella lives in the barrio. Even though Estrella tries to keep her home life a secret from her school friends, things get even more complicated when she falls for Speedy, a cholo whom her friends--and her parents--would definitely disapprove of.
Caught between her family’s wishes and the allure of her sophisticated friends, Estrella is forced to make tough choices. This funny touching book follows one girl’s struggle to figure out who she really wants to be.”

An excerpt from Ms. Alegria’s website on “Sofi Mendoza’s Guide to Getting Lost in Mexico ”:

“You’ll never believe what’s happened to me. It feels like I’ve woken up in a total nightmare. I’m living in the country with pigs, horses, roosters and even a goat. I swear to God, no joke. I hate it here! It’s hell. There are these creepy crawlers in the bed called chinches that bite me every night and the frigid’ rooster cries in the middle of the night. There’s no hot water and the lights go out all the time!! There’s no cable, no internet and no phone!!! Can you believe it? And I have a horrible aunt who bosses me around like I’m her slave. I hate it all. I don’t know how long I’ll be here. My parents say that I’ll be home soon. The sooner the better! I’ll write more later. Love you. Miss you all. Tell everyone I’m all right. Make up something cool.
Later,
Sof”

Ms. Alegria will read an excerpt from “Estrella’s Quinceanera” and speak about being a young Hispanic female author. There will be time for questions and answers, and Ms. Alegria will happily autograph “Estrella’s Quinceanera” which will soon be on sale in the PAC book store, and in the Performing Arts Center on the day of the presentation. Refreshments after the presentation will be catered by Las Cazuelas Restaurant.

This event is part of the President’s Lecture Series. It is free and open to the public.

Campus Water Outage on Saturday

Some of you may have heard unofficial reports that the PAC campus would be closed all day on Saturday, April 14, in order to repair a water leak which requires shutting off water to a large portion of the campus. After consultations with PAC facilities and contractors, the decision has been made to shut-off water to the majority of the campus at 2 p.m., on Saturday. This course of action will result in the least amount of disruption to classes and activities previously scheduled on campus. After 2 p.m., water will still be available on the PAC campus in the following locations:
Ozuna Learning Resource Center
Natatorium/Gymnasium
Applied Science and Technology Building
Texas A&M portables

Palo Alto College apologies for the inconvenience.

PAC Students Featured in 210 SA

Pick up this week's issue of "210 SA" and turn to page 26. PAC student Sirena Abrego is featured in the weekly's collegiate profile section. On the same page, in a feature entitled "Buzz," five PAC students answer the question "How would you feeel about having a female president?" Responding are Josie Garcia, Evelyn Villarreal, Lauren Hernandez, Sarah Ramirez, and my good friend, Carlos Camargo Jr.

Campus Happenings

Just got through eating some delicious tacos for lunch sold by the PAC Spanish Club outside the Student Center. With no advertising at all--just word of mouth--the Spanish Club was doing brisk business meeting the demands of the hungry masses! In fact, by the time I got there all the fajita tacos were gone, along with the guacamole!!! Fortunately there was plenty of picadillo and bean and cheese tacos left that were very tasty.

OPEN HOUSE

Classmates from the Professional Development (POFT) 1313 course have organized an "Open House" for students interested in learning more about Palo Alto College, registration, financial aid, dressing for suceess and student activities.

The Open House will be held on campus in the Business Building, room 102, on Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be refreshments and door prizes. For more information, call the Business Department at (210) 921-5032.

SAVE THE DATE

The PR Department, in conjunction with the President's Lecture Series, is busy planning an event entitled "Estrella's Quinceanera"which will be held in the Performing Arts Center, on Wednesday, April 25 at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments from Las Cazuelas Restaurant will be served. More information to follow.

PAC in the News

Did you see the bright pink insert in Sunday's Express-News promoting the Museo Alameda? If you still have it, I would like to draw your attention to the section entitled "The Smithsonian in San Antonio!" Go down the list to the April 14th date where you will see an entry entitled "Conjunto." The excerpt reads as follows: Describes the history and culture of a South Texas musical tradition and its significance to the music world. Photographs by John Dyer, Curated by Juan Tejeda. As some of you may know, Juan Tejeda is PAC's Instructor of Music, and leads the college's conjunto ensemble! Juan's work is highly commendable especially when you note that the Museo Alameda is the first formal affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution! Juan, thank you for representing Palo Alto College in such a positive and noteworthy endeavor.

If you would like to see Juan's work, the Museo Alameda is offering 3 days of events that are free and open to the public, beginning on Friday, April 13 at 6 p.m., Saturday, April 14 at 11 a.m., and Sunday, April 15 at noon.

12th Annual PAC Jazz Festival

The 12th Annual Palo Alto Jazz Festival was held in the Performing Arts Center last week. Participants included Warren High School, Edison High School, John Jay High School, Southside High School, McCauliffe Middle School and Scobie Middle School. Adjudicators selected John Jay High School and Scobie Middle School as the Outstanding Jazz Ensembles in their respective divisions. Robert Greer from Warren High School was selected as the Outstanding Soloist for this year's festival. Thank you to Dr. Armin T. Marmolejo for coordinating the festival.

PAC Digital Arts Blog

Karen Mahaffy reports that there is a blog site for the Art Department Digital Arts Program. Take a look at some of the projects her students have created.

Finally, another PACfest item has arrived that we will be giving out to patrons who fill out the survey form. It is a small "chip clip" with the PAC logo. I have five to give out to the first five people who come by my office to request one. No, you can't pick one up for a co-worker! And no, you can't have the roses. And DEFINITELY NO, you can't have my Chex Mix!

PAC Graduation

Due to scheduling conflicts, PAC's Commencement Ceremony (graduation) has been moved up an hour. It will now begin at 6 p.m., on Friday, May 11 at Freeman Coliseum. We apologize for any hardship this may cause and hope graduates and their families and friends will still be able to attend this wonderful ceremony.

The Millionth Circle

Have you noticed all the colorful scenery, lights and water contraptions outside the Administration Building by the President's window facing the Ray Ellison Family Center? It's all in preparation for

THE MILLIONTH CIRCLE

an inter-generational

dance theater collaborative production

by the Dance, Drama, and Art Programs

TODAY, Thursday, April 5, 2007

7:45 pm

Under the sky,

beside the ravine,

between the prickly pear and the yucca...

west of the Administration Building

IN CASE OF RAIN...

PRODUCTION WILL BE STAGED

IN THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Featuring

The Guadalupe Dance Company

Heartbeat of Yanaguana

Mestre Jelon Capoeira Group

Palo Alto Dance Program

For more information

Kim Corbin

921-5337

PAC Weekly Report

I was compiling the President's Weekly Report to the Chancellor and came across several items that I wanted to share with you regarding PAC faculty, staff and students that have occured over the past week:

--Approximately 35 students enrolled in the Upward Bound Program at PAC participated in the 11th Annual Cesar Chavez March that drew more than 20,000 participants in downtown San Antonio March 31. Dr. Federico Zaragoza, ACCD’s Vice Chancellor Professional, Technical and Workforce Education joined the students for the march and spoke with them individually and collectively afterward.

--PAC’s Dean of Learning Resources and two librarians attended a Texas Library Association (TLA) program committee meeting to coordinate final arrangements for the 2007 State-wide TLA Conference being held in San Antonio April 11-14. The conference will feature 230 programs and events, along with 450 vendors, as well as librarians from throughout Texas.

--PAC’s PACfest Committee, along with a San Antonio Health Department representative, met with 20 community food vendors to discuss sanitation, rules and regulations regarding food handling, preparation and service during the College’s upcoming Official Fiesta San Antonio event.

--Yolanda Reyes, a PAC recruiter; Sirena Abrego, a PAC student playing the role of the Palomino mascot; and PAC cheerleaders were highlighted at the San Antonio Rampage game Saturday night. A season-record 7,500 fans attended the hockey game, and hopefully took home information on all ACCD colleges.

--Ellen Shull, Michael Seiferth, and Dr. Mary-Ellen Jacobs of the PAC English Department acted as essay graders for the UIL Ready Writing Contest for District 26AAA, which includes high schools from Marion, La Vernia and Luling.

--Rich Bonnell attended the San Antonio Chapter meeting of the national Defense Transportation Association on March 27. Dean Gary Shelman and Frank Quijano attended a workshop in Austin regarding the development of a state-wide 1st year career foundation certificate in advanced manufacturing. PAC is anticipating the transfer of these 1st year students into the 2nd year of our Electro-Mechanical Technology program.

--The Ray Ellison Family Center has been asked to be included in a grant proposal spearheaded by the Daughters of Charities. The U.S. Department of Education is accepting applications under the "Foundations for Learning Grants Program." The proposal will focus on school readiness through early childhood emotional, behavioral and social development. The concept is to hire a Master-level counselor who would provide services to children exhibiting behavioral issues working with the teachers and families.

There were several other items to report--equally important--but I must move on to other things! Keep up the good work!

PACfest Update

I have some mouth-watering information today. This afternoon the PACfest Committee held a meeting with vendors and I was able to get a menu of food items to be sold during PACfest, April 26. They are:

Clara--Gorditas/lemonade
Clara--Funnel Cake
Ruben--Brisket
Marcial--roasted corn
Marcial--agua frescas
Art--Sausage
Irene--Shrimp/Chicken kabobs
Leticia--Hamburgers/hot dogs
Phi Theta Kappa--Chalupas
Custom Foods--Brisket Plate
Upward Bound--Palettas
SGA--Fruit Cups
Staff Council--Frito Pies
Phi Beta Lambda--Chik-Fil-A
SLI--Cotton Candy/Raspas
Homer--quesedillas/bean & cheese tacos
Campus Ministries--Nachos
SOFE--Cheesecake

Coke will have two stands to sell sodas and water.

And of course, there are going to be about 16 booths selling novelties, so we should have plenty of foods, drinks and items to buy all day!

PACfest Survey Giveaway

The PACfest Committee will be conducting a survey during PACfest to help us make future PACfests even more successful. As a "Thank You" to everyone who fills out a survey, we will be giving out a "Six-pack cooler," shown above. Please encourage everyone you see at PACfest to fill out a survey--while supplies last! Only 450 coolers available!!

The first person who comes to my office before I leave today at 6 p.m. can have the cooler used in the photo!

PAC Upward Bound Students Receive Scholarship

On Friday, five Upward Bound Program students received scholarships from the Cesar Chavez Legacy and Education Foundation! They were:

Jesus McDonald $1,500 Lytle High School
Ben Hernandez $1,000 Poteet High School
Adriana Guajardo $1,000 Jourdanton High School
Rigoberto Amaya $500 Poteet High School
Teresa Garza $500 Poteet High School

The students are pictured above (left) with Rosa Rosales, National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) at the Chavez Foundation Dinner where they received their award Friday night. On Saturday, the Upward Bound Students participated in the 11th Annual Cesar Chavez March that drew more than 20,000 participants in San Antonio.