Well that didn’t take long.

The Pima Community College football team snapped its 29-game losing streak in its season opener Sept. 4 at Phoenix College, winning 17-14.

Sophomore running back Andy Garcia provided the game-winning touchdown on a four-yard run. Garcia had a stellar night, rushing for 80 yards on eight runs.

The Aztecs’ last win was 63-2 over Verde Valley, a semi-pro team, on Aug. 25, 2007.

The win also snapped Pima’s 48-game losing streak to college teams. The Aztecs’ last true win came in the 2004 Pilgrim’s Pride Bowl, over No. 4 Kilgore College.

In the Sept. 4 victory, Pima’s freshmen quarterback combo of Zander McKean and Zach Schira went 7-16 for 76 yards. McKean was 3-7 for 22 yards, while Schira was 4-9 for 54 yards.

Sophomore running back Ronald Hopper scored Pima’s first touchdown, on a one-yard run in the first half. Freshman kicker Adam Valenzuela kicked a 39-yard field goal in the third quarter.

PCC’s offense gained 257 yards, 81 rushing and 76 passing. Freshman running back Damion Bracy had 49 yards on five rushes.

Freshman receiver Chris Howard led the Aztecs in the air with four catches for 28 yards. Sophomore receiver Scott Campbell had Pima’s longest reception, 28 yards, on his only catch.

The Aztecs’ home opener is Saturday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. against No. 16 Eastern Arizona College. All Pima home games are at Tucson Electric Park, 2500 E. Ajo Way.

Tickets are $6, and $4 for students.

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Storm to Aztecs: Pima’s colorful football history

The Aztec Press was founded 40 years ago and was originally entitled Graffiti Press.

Over the years, the name changed a few times yet one thing remained the same: the publication was a way for students to have their voice heard.

Especially during the volatile days of the 1970s, there was a lot to talk about.

The impending impeachment of Nixon, legalization of abortion, increasing awareness of the dangers of smoking, the apprehension of the “Son of Sam” and local prostitution rings were just a few of the topics covered by the school paper.

Another common theme throughout the ‘70s was the rehabilitation of released convicts and their adaptation back into society.

Several articles discussed the dangers of drug abuse and shared stories of people who were on their way to recovery.

Growing awareness of the risk of sexually transmitted diseases was evident in several articles.

A story from October 1977 stated that nudist colonies were good for your health and approved by the Maryland chapter of the American Heart Association.

In many of the early issues of the Press, articles were written in Spanish and there was a strong focus on the civil rights movements that were spreading wildly across the states.

In such fiery times, it should come as little surprise that two common advertisements were for tequila and cerveza.

Illustration by James Kelley

Remember those talking farm animals, that crazy pig named Wilbur, and Charlotte, the spider who wrote special messages in her web?

If so, prepare to get reacquainted with the characters from “Charlotte’s Web.”

Pima Community College’s theater department will host Charlotte’s Family Fun Time on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the West Campus Black Box Theatre. The free event is a preview to upcoming performances of “Charlotte’s Web.”

There will be plenty of child-friendly games, activities and treats to keep the entire family entertained. Participants can make masks of their favorite farm animals, and use pipe cleaners to create itty-bitty spiders that will actually be used during the performance.

Other activities will include cast introductions, glimpses of scenes from the performance, a Q&A session with the actors and a tour of the set.

“We’ll have a lot of fun activities for the kids and, of course, the cast will mingle with everybody,” Director Mickey Nugent said. “It’s going to be great.”

Students wait to pick up rental books at the West Campus bookstore. Aztec Press photo by Gabi Pina.

By Kyle Wasson

To combat the high cost of textbooks, Pima Community College bookstores have partnered with Follett Higher Education Group to offer “Rent-a-Text.”

By offering 50 percent or more off the cost of new textbooks, the rental option has instantly become an affordable alternative for PCC students.

PCC student Reba Lomelino took advantage of the new option. “I paid over $300 last semester for all of my books,” she said. “Today I walked away spending less than half.”

During a quick survey at Downtown Campus, 43 of 50 students said they took the rental route.

“Students can finally afford to buy all of their supplies and not worry about the burden of purchasing a textbook,” Downtown Campus Bookstore Manager Joshua Young said.

Since commencement of the rental program, the Downtown Campus bookstore has recorded more than $30,000 in savings, Young said. Savings rise to more than $200,000 when Northwest Campus and West Campus bookstores are included.

The “Rent-a-Text” program is available in campus bookstores or online. Students pick up the textbooks at the campus bookstore of their choice.

Students can use various payment methods ranging from cash to financial aid.

While using the rented textbooks, students can highlight and take notes “within the normal wear and tear associated with coursework.”

Students may also buy their textbooks at the end of the semester if they decide to keep them.

What’s the catch? Just as with movie rentals, there are fees for non-returned books. Potential costs include processing fees, late fees and purchase of the text if the book is not returned.

To learn more about the “Rent-a-Text” program, contact any PCC bookstore by phone or on the Web at www.pima.bkstr.com. You can also register online through Follett at efollett.com or at www.rent-a-text.com. Follett also has a Facebook page.

Students walk past signs advertising Rent-a-Text.com. Aztec Press photo by Ed Adams.

Pima Community College Chancellor Roy Flores says his ambition while growing up in East Chicago was to work at the local steel mill. Because of a recession, he didn’t get the job.

Flores decided to join the Air Force instead, and served for four years.

Though he was born in Laredo, Texas, and lived in Indiana before moving to Chicago, Flores said his time in the military enlightened his understanding of America’s diversity.

“I learned that the country didn’t look like East Chicago. It was broader and bigger,” he said. “We knew distinctively from movies what the rest of the country was like but to actually know someone with different experiences, background, foods and customs … it was fascinating!”

Flores later received a master’s degree in economics and a doctorate in monetary theory and regional economics at Indiana State University.

He worked at the U.S. Department of State as an economic adviser in Washington D.C., where he says he obtained a sense of the important roles that community colleges play.

Flores was a chief administrative officer at Northern Virginia Community College in charge of finances, physical plant and information technology. He also served as president at Allegheny Community College in Pittsburgh and president at Elgin Community College in Elgin, Ill.

He has been PCC’s chancellor since 2003.

His advice to PCC students is to be open to new ideas.

“Find joy in doing a job really well for its own sake,” he said. “Master whatever it is you are doing, and do it well.

“If you want to learn how to dance, for example, then learn it as best as you can and you’ll feel good about it.

“Or if you want to shoot basketball, improve yourself so that you are comfortable with the game. You don’t have to be a Kobe Bryant.

“If it’s playing an instrument, just master it and do it well,” he added. “Or if you buy a computer, learn how to use it really well, so that you are comfortable with it.”

Flores suggests that students try to see connections among the courses they take, whether it’s psychology, writing or Japanese history. Read things related to the topic of study, just for enjoyment.

“Try to understand other societies, and how they view the world,” Flores sad.

“Go online, and search the Web,” he added. “These are things I certainly didn’t have when I was in school. The Web will give you entertainment, knowledge and everything else. So, try to find out what’s going on in other worlds — find out everything you can.”

Flores emphasized that doing so will reinforce the subject matter the student is taking. He also stressed the need to do things for pleasure and not just for work.

“I don’t think you could be successful in something you find distasteful,” Flores said. “You could get by and pass the class, but you’ll feel really good if you strive to master, improve and find joy in it.”

Flores enjoys approaching the world like a child and being open to everything. Because of his curiosity and thirst for learning, he channel surfs while watching television.

“Whether I see something obscure about the depths of the oceans, like discovering some plant, or fish or life no one had dreamed existed, or something real mundane like how to cook the best apple pie, I can’t help but learn,” Flores said. “My mind can focus on anything that is available at the moment.”

His professional duties include serving on the board of directors of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

A typical day for the chancellor includes waking up at 4:30 a.m. He checks his computer for e-mails and for the local temperature, then stretches for a seven-mile run.

“With any job, it’s important to be physically fit, and that’s the truth of it,” Flores said.

“On my way to work, I’ll call the office,” he added. “Typically my calendar is well crafted, and it’s full. You try to stick to it, but sometimes the unexpected happens, so it has to be modified significantly.”

He meets with the vice chancellor, campus presidents and others to talk about issues and opportunities on a wide variety of topics. He deals with the legislature, works with universities and interacts with community college colleagues.

“Basically, that’s a regular full day,” Flores said. “Then you figure out it is 5 o’clock, and you wrap it up for the day.”

Rashad Rogers, a Pima Community College political science major, criticized the response.

“I think it’s an outrage,” he said. “That’s what the press is for but no one is talking about it and no one wants to talk about it.”

While entire villages have been ruined, and water and food are short in supply, contributions to Pakistan are less than donations for Haiti earthquake relief. Billions of dollars less.

International aid pledged totals more than $800 million so far, while donors have pledged nearly $10 billion in aid to Haiti.

One reason for the stark difference: studies show that media coverage concentrates on natural disasters with higher death tolls.

The flood in Pakistan, which happened much more slowly than an immediate catastrophe such as an earthquake, put many houses and acres of land under water but does not have the dramatic effect of other natural disasters.

Another factor could be Pakistan’s public image in the United States.

A recent CNN poll found that 78 percent of Americans hold mostly unfavorable views of
Pakistan.

Many Pakistanis also share a dislike for Americans. A July poll conducted by the Pew Research Center Global Attitudes Project showed that 59 percent of Pakistanis described the United States as an “enemy.”
The U.S. government has taken steps to help Pakistan. Dan Feldman, the Obama administration’s deputy special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, has said the United States will provide up to $150 million in aid.

U.S. helicopters have also helped provide medical transport for displaced Pakistanis living in temporary camps. The flood has created an infestation of water-borne diseases.

Both Feldman and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have downplayed suggestions that U.S. aid is aimed at boosting America’s image with Pakistanis.

“We’re doing it as a response to a humanitarian crisis,” Feldman said.

Krystal Hardiman, a PCC veterinary technician student, pointed out the irony.

“We’re giving them aid and they say that they don’t like us,” she said. “I just think they could show a little bit more respect to the United States because we are out there helping them.”

Pakistan isn’t the only country to react that way, Hardiman added. “We give more money in donations than any other country in the world to countries that are in need and don’t like us. But that’s the United States – that’s the beauty of it.”

Chris Messer, a PCC theater major, believes Americans should provide aid because Pakistan is suffering. “There are a lot of people that have lost everything they’ve got.”

To help with the Pakistan flood relief effort, look to the sidebar below. The international groups listed are reputable organizations that help ensure donations go to people in need.

How to donate

American Red Cross

www.redcross.org

1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-435-7669)

UNICEF United States Fund

www.unicefusa.org

1-800-FOR-KIDS (1-800-367-5437)

Doctors Without Borders

www.doctorswithoutborders.org

1-888-392-0392

Oxfam America

www.oxfamamerica.org

800-77-OXFAM

U.N. World Food Program

www.wfp.org

Audience members rest in a deep state of relaxation as “Hypno Joe,” 56-year-old Joe DeCarlo, entertains during Welcome Week activities at West Campus on Aug. 31. From left are Mario Portillo (wearing face bandages for imaginary cuts), Student Life Coordinator Rosemary Ortega, Joshua Reyes and Ashley Lopez. In the photo below, a hypnotized Reyes does his best Britney Spears imitation.

Aztec Press photos by David Mendez

The first words out of her mouth after introductions were, “I’m shy.” Her body language supported her claim.

But however shy she claims to be, Sugey Lopez doesn’t hide how strongly she feels about, well, anything.

Sugey (pronounced “sue-hay”) Lopez, 26, is in her third semester at Pima Community College and her first term as West Campus Student Government president.

Sugey Lopez, West Campus student body president

Her administration’s fingerprints are evident from the moment you walk into Student Life offices and see volunteers wearing blue and orange “Get Involved” shirts.

Lopez designed the shirts, as well as blue fliers advertising Welcome Week events, which ranged from free popsicles to an iPod Touch giveaway.

It’s all part of Lopez’s strategy on how best to spend her time as president.

“We want to do it big,” she says. “I don’t feel people knew student government was here in the past.”

Lopez wants to institute a feeling of community. She would like students to feel as comfortable on campus as she does, and to not have to search for that feeling. To that end, she’s spearheading an effort to make all students feel included.

She notes she’s a member of many groups: a Mexican national, a graduate with multiple degrees and a lesbian. In fact, she moved to Tucson to be with her girlfriend, a former PCC employee.

Her sexuality turns out to be a motivating factor, in part because of her family life. She was raised in a religious family and realized two weeks after her 21st birthday (and two weeks before leaving on a religious mission) that she was gay.

“I was told, ‘You had so much potential when you were straight,’” she remembers. “What changed about me?”

Her goal: “I want to prove that, no matter who you are, no matter what you’re like, you can still make a difference here.”

She says Welcome Week Fall 2010 was a larger affair than in previous years. The second week of school included karaoke, a hypnotist, two organization fairs and free massages.

Similar events will be discussed for the future, with “discussion” a key word. “We’ve already been getting great feedback” regarding Welcome Week, she says, and would like to hear from students on what they’d like to see next.

She invites students to attend Student Government meetings. The first takes place Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m. in the Student Life offices located near the cafeteria.

Lopez also wants to involve faculty by organizing educational events. She hopes instructors will give extra credit to students for attending.

She hopes campus clubs, athletics and student government can work together to support each other.

“I will try my best to work with sports and with music,” she says. “We can’t reach everyone by ourselves…we’re not supposed to be alone.”

West Campus isn’t all that’s on her mind, either. Given the opportunity, Lopez would “love to do a mega-event” with Pima’s other campuses.

“I would like to join forces with them,” she says. “After all, we’re all Pima. We all have the same name.”

Lopez is currently enrolled in Pima’s nursing program. “I always wanted to pursue a career in medicine,” she says.

For now, Lopez continues to work at her classes and helps publicize student government through activities such as handing out Welcome Week fliers to classmates.

“What I like is that people are starting to know me, goingm ‘Hey she’s in my class,’” Lopez says. “It’s better to start with one or two, instead of a hundred.”

So maybe she is shy after all. But if you get the chance, don’t hesitate to talk to Lopez about ways to improve West Campus.

“We want students to tell us what they want and need,” she says. “The college needs to care for students.”

Vets helping vets: That’s the main purpose of the Pima Community College Vets4Vets Club, which held its first board meeting of the semester Aug. 27 at Downtown Campus.

“What we want to do is have a gathering place,” said PCC employee and V4V advisor Tim Kelliher, a veteran himself.

“We’re here to help the veterans,” Kelliher said. “From whatever era they come from, to get into school and be successful.”

V4V meets every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Student Life Office at Downtown Campus (LB-171) for both social and practical purposes.

During the V4V meetings, Kelliher and student advisers help veterans with any problems they may have, whether regarding enrollment difficulties, adjusting to college life or finding a job.

V4V president Chris Clemens and resources director Robert Tobara have much experience helping guide fellow student veterans through the cumbersome registration process many vets must undergo to receive GI Bill benefits and other financial aid.

Election of new officers will take place on Sept. 14.

Fall semester Vets4Vets social activities include a fundraising barbecue at Downtown Campus on Sept. 7.

Also in the works is a rock concert on Halloween weekend at the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post 4903, which is now one of V4V’s sponsors.

“They adopted us,” Clemens said of Post 4903.

“It’s one of the few posts around town that is actively seeking Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans,” Tobara added. “A lot of the other posts around town are still very, very resistant to let them in.”

VFP Post 4903 will donate use of its hall for the concert. The music will be “younger-generation, more of the assault-your eardrums rock,” Tobara said. More information about the concert will be available soon. Check the “Groups” tab on MyPima for updates.

Post 4903 is also involved in a food and clothing drive organized by Vets4Vets. Donations will be accepted Oct. 4-8 in the Downtown Campus Student Life office. Clothes and food collected will go directly to homeless veterans in Tucson.

V4V wants to encourage all campus veterans to come check out the club, especially women.

The board is concerned that they haven’t made enough of an effort to reach women veterans attending PCC. The club is even going to the extent of changing the wording of their constitution to be less gender-specific.

“We need women here,” member Fernando Felix said. “Women do things. Men, we can talk about it, but I find that women are more effective.”

“We do have experience and knowledge,” Maria Elena Moreno said. The sole woman vet attending the meeting, she said it with a smile.

For more information about Vets4Vets and upcoming events, contact Chris Clemens at 272-9929 and silverwolf6669@netzero.com, or Robert Tobara at 881-0814 and robert.tobara@yahoo.com.

Abel Moreno, Robert Tobara and Chris Clemens discuss issues. Aztec Press photo by Liza Porter.

Battling the Books: Veterans return to college

By Liza Porter

The veteran population at Pima Community College has tripled in the last year, according to Holly Tackett, Student Services Specialist in the Admissions and Registration Department at Downtown Campus.

PCC statistics show that 1,626 veterans and their dependents are utilizing the G.I. Bill so far this fall.

An Aztec Press series, “Battling the Books: Veterans Return to College,” will explore the experiences of war veterans who enroll at PCC following discharge from the military.

Who are the veterans at PCC’s six campuses? Do they have unusual obstacles to overcome while settling into a college career? How is the experience different for men than for women? What does it take to get set up on the G.I. Bill?

These are the types of questions we hope to answer in “Battling the Books.”

We welcome input from veterans and other students, instructors and administration. Contact Steve Choice or Liza Porter at aztecpress@pima.edu or 206-6800.

Resources for veterans

Peer support for Iraq/Afghanistan-era vets can be found at www.vets4vets.us.
Local contact: Chris Clemens, president: silverwolf6669@netzero.com

“Military Guide to College” can be found at www.studentveterans.org. Choose “Resource Library” at the top of the site.

The American Council on Education’s “From Soldier to Student: Easing the Transition of Service Members on Campus” can be found at www.acenet.edu. Choose “Military Programs” under “Programs and Services.”

PCC Veterans Office

Pima Community College District Veterans Office
Address: 4905 E. Broadway, Suite B220
Phone: 206-4715
E-mail: veterans@pima.edu

Financial Aid: 24 hours a day / 7 days a week at:

Or visit any campus Student Services Center during normal college business hours.