University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 02-16-2010

Early voting available on campus Feb. 22-25

Cast your ballot on campus in early voting for the March 2 primary election. Campus voters have four days—Monday-Thursday, Feb. 22-25—to choose candidates in primaries for Democratic, Libertarian and Republican parties. Early voting across the state runs Feb. 16-26.

The campus polling station is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center, courtesy of the Student Congress. Find free parking along the 300 block of West First Street.

The spring primaries include candidates running for Texas governor, as well as congressional District 6 and state representative District 94, both of which include the UT Arlington campus.

Learn more about early voting from the Texas Secretary of State's Web site.

Plan to order official Maverick Ring this week

Place your order for an official Maverick Ring 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 17-18, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

This unique ring is reserved exclusively for qualified undergraduates who have completed 60 credit hours and graduate students who have completed 15 hours, as well as alumni. Rings will be presented by President James D. Spaniolo at the Official Maverick Ring Ceremony in April, and recipients will have the opportunity to sign the Official Maverick Ring Registry.

Read about the ring design.

For more information, contact the Alumni Association at 2-2594 or uta_alumni@uta.edu.

Snow fun: See some snowflake action on the slide show and video.

Record snowfall blankets campus

A record snowfall for one day closed the campus at 3 p.m. Thursday, and it remained closed Friday as the snow was officially measured at 12.5 inches at DFW Airport. Arlington reported 7 inches of snow.

The wintry wonderland made for some nice pictures for those brave enough to get out in it Thursday and Friday, and the white stuff brought about several friendly snowball fights on campus, while others built snowmen and igloos.

The campus was not without problems, however, as there were several fallen tree branches, plus one downed tree that damaged a bench near Preston Hall.

Some buildings experienced power outages on Thursday, but all had power restored in a short amount of time.

Barton provides lab boost: U.S. Rep. Joe Barton has helped secure funding and will be here Friday to help open a new engineering lab.

CREST alternative fuel lab to accelerate move toward micro-refinery, opens Friday afternoon

New UT Arlington lab space will speed up refinement of an alternative fuel that researchers say will lead to development of a micro-refinery later this year.

Researchers at the Center for Renewable Energy, Science and Technology (CREST) are perfecting a coal-to-crude process that has produced an energy source costing much less than traditional crude oil.

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, whose Sixth Congressional District includes UT Arlington, will help open the new synthetic fuel chemistry labs at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, in Room 310 of Science Hall as part of Engineers Week on campus.

Barton has helped secure funding for CREST through the years and says this kind of alternative energy is just what the country needs.

"Thanks to the work going on here at UT Arlington, the state of Texas continues to be a leader in energy innovation. Anything we can discover that cuts into our dependence on foreign oil is a plus," Barton says.

Engineering Dean Bill Carroll said the congressman's support has been vital. "CREST is where much of the alternative energy research at UT Arlington is being conducted," Dr. Carroll says. "Congressman Barton's support has been critical for building the laboratory facilities and funding the personnel necessary to move the various projects forward."

More restaurants accepting Mav Money

Several local restaurants and two CVS Pharmacy locations near campus now accept Mav Money, a debit card offered through the Mav Express in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Learn more at the Mav Express or go online to www.uta.edu/mavexpress.

Engineers construct week-long celebration

Join in the celebration of the College of Engineering's golden anniversary during Engineers Week, Feb. 14-20, a week-long showcase of achievements and activities by faculty and students.

Opening ceremony for Engineers Week starts at noon Monday in the atrium of Nedderman Hall as Mr. and Ms. Engineer are crowned. Other highlights include a Career Fair, displays, tours, industry speakers and faculty lectures. For fun, engineers have Bingo Night, Pie the Professor and Engineering Olympics. The week wraps up Friday with the ribbon cutting for the Center for Renewable Energy, Science and Technology (CREST) Lab and the annual awards banquet.

Pow wow speaker: Roy Hawthorne was a Navajo code talker during World War II.

WWII Navajo code talker to speak at Pow Wow

Navajo code talker Roy Hawthorne will speak at the 15th Annual Native American Students Association Honors Scholarship Benefit Pow Wow at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

During World War II, Hawthorne was among a select group of Native American Marines who used the Navajo language to cloak military messages sent across the Pacific. The unbreakable code proved to be one of the most significant military codes in modern history. The Navajo code talkers are credited with saving countless lives and helping end the war in the Pacific.

The pow wow runs from 2 to 10 p.m. at the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Items on the agenda include live music with Native Americans richly dressed in historical ceremonial outfits, vendor booths with art, jewelry and clothing; cake walks; and a caricature artist.

Contact the association at utanativestudents@yahoo.com for more information.

Magic words Former Los Angeles Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson received a UT Arlington basketball jersey following his Maverick Speakers Series lecture Thursday night at Texas Hall. Johnson is now chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, a company that focuses on urban communities. His book, 32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business, offers advice and expertise, and is a best-seller.

Homecoming looks at past and present

"Homecoming Then and Now" is the theme for this year's Homecoming activities Feb. 22-28.

The "Boom at Noon" pep rally at noon Wednesday, Feb. 24, on the Central Library mall will include the firing of the Carlisle Cannons and will be followed by a golf cart parade. The Homecoming Court will be introduced at halftime of the men's basketball game at 7 p.m. in Texas Hall.

At 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, a reception for faculty, staff, alumni and invited guests will be held in the Carlisle Suite in the E.H. Hereford University Center, and the Homecoming Step Show will start at 7 p.m. in Texas Hall.

Maverick pride shines at Spirit Friday, Feb. 26, at noon in the Palo Duro Lounge of the University Center. The Bash starts at 9 p.m. at the University Center.

Reunions and other gatherings mark Saturday, Feb. 27, including the Military Science Hall of Honor induction at 10:30 a.m. in the Rio Grande Ballroom of the University Center. Homecoming king and queen coronation is set for halftime of the women's basketball game at 4 p.m. in Texas Hall.

Check the complete Homecoming schedule.

'Mexico: The Revolution and Beyond' exhibit on display in library

A major photographic exhibit on loan from the government of Mexico is now on display in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library.

The Casasola Archive exhibit, "Mexico: The Revolution and Beyond," has its permanent home in the National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico City and rarely has been seen in the United States. Photographs from the collection will be at UT Arlington until April 1 as part of the observance of the centennial of the Mexican Revolution sponsored by the Center for Southwestern Studies.

Read more about UT Arlington activities related to the revolution's centennial.

Special Events Center groundbreaking March 5, opening set for early 2012

Groundbreaking for the Special Events Center is set for Friday, March 5, at the location bordered by Pecan and Center streets and Second and Third streets on the eastern edge of the campus. A reception is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the program for the groundbreaking to begin at 2:30 p.m.

The final design for the center emphasizes energy efficiency, natural light and materials, and flexible seating in a new venue for convocations, concerts and athletics. The center is expected to open by early 2012.

With seating for up to 6,500, the center will serve as home court for the UT Arlington Mavericks basketball and volleyball teams, commencement and other community events. Designed by HKS Inc., the center mixes brick and stone exteriors with windows that stretch nearly the full height of the building and bathe its concourses in natural light. The building's clean lines complement the University's modern feel.

Career Month continues preparations for job fair

Information on resumes, networking and preparing for the job fair are part of Career Month. All workshops are free and lead up to the Employer Showcase on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Check the schedule of programs at careers.uta.edu or the Career Services' Facebook page.

Find more job-search advice on the Hire A Maverick Blog.

Talent show features Gateway to India The Indian Student Association brings back its Gateway to India talent show after a four-year absence. The 11 performances include solo and group acts, including the Mysticals from UT Arlington and talent from throughout North Texas. A fashion show is planned, also. Showtime starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Tickets are $5 for students who purchase them on the malls of the Central Library and the E.H. Hereford University Center. Buy tickets online for $8 at www.meraticket.com or at the door for $10.

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Music Honors Recital Music faculty members and outstanding students peform in solo and chamber music settings. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 817-272-3471.

Wednesday, Feb. 17

Vocal Division Recital Vocal students perform. Free. 4:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 817-272-3471.

$2 movie: 9 A rag doll that awakens in a post-apocalyptic future holds the key to humanity's salvation. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m., Planetarium. Also at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20.

Men's Basketball UT Arlington vs. Southeastern Louisiana. Halftime events include engineering recognition, blindfold musical chairs and the Points for Pluckers shooting contest. Free with student ID. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. 817-272-2261.

Brass Quintet Recital The United States Marine Band Brass Quintet performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 817-272-3471.

Thursday, Feb. 18

Clavier Series Piano Recital Piano students perform. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 817-272-3471.

Friday, Feb. 19

Guest Pianist George Lopez, artist-in-residence at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, performs the complete etudes for piano by Frederic Chopin. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 817-272-3471.

Saturday, Feb. 20

Women’s Basketball UT Arlington vs. Central Arkansas. Free with student ID. 4 p.m., Texas Hall. 817-272-2261.

Sunday, Feb. 21

Guest Pianist Gregory Sioles from Louisiana State University performs. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. 817-272-3471.

Through March 6

Prime Perception Visual communication professors and active designers and artists Robert Grame and Robert Hower exhibit their work. Free. 10 a.m-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday. The Gallery at UTA, Room 169, Fine Arts Building. 817-272-5658.

Through March 31

Creativity Test Artists Marilyn Jolly and Maraya Lopez bring a new perspective to paint-by-the-numbers. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Ongoing

UT Arlington Planetarium programs See the complete Planetarium schedule. $3 faculty, staff. 817-272-1183, planetarium@uta.edu.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Go Pink: Meghan Nelson and the Mavericks wore pink to help raise money for breast cancer in Saturday's win over UT San Antonio.

Women victorious, men fall at UTSA

Meghan Nelson scored 22 points while Shalyn Martin added 19 points and 14 rebounds to lead the women's basketball team past UT San Antonio 78-71 Saturday at Texas Hall. The Mavericks have won three straight and are 6-4 in Southland Conference play. The next game is at Southeastern Louisiana Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The men's basketball team had its five-game winning streak stopped by UTSA 63-61 Saturday in San Antonio. The Mavericks are now 5-5 in the SLC and will host Southeastern Louisiana at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Entries due for intramural sports

Entries for intramural foosball are due at the on-site registration from 6-6:50 p.m. today, Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Bowling and Billiards Center in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Competition begins at 7 p.m.

Entries for rock climbing and tennis are due Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the Maverick Activities Center. For more information, see intramural sports.

Movin’ Mavs earn split at Alabama tourney

The Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball team won two of four games at the University of Alabama tournament last weekend, defeating Edinboro University and Missouri, while falling to defending national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater and host Alabama.

Coach Doug Garner's team is now 9-4 in collegiate play and will participate in a tournament starting Friday, Feb. 19, at the University of Illinois.

Sports shorts

Adolphus Jones set a Southland Conference record in the heptathlon Saturday at the Iowa State Indoor Track Classic. His total of 5,532 points placed him first in the event and qualified him for the NCAA Indoor Championships in March. ... Movin' Mavs James Patin, Tim Caldwell and Josh Rucker have been invited to the USA Paralympic National Basketball Team tryouts April 7-11 in Colorado Springs, Colo. They will compete to represent the USA at the 2010 World Championships slated for July in Manchester, England. ... Freshman pitcher Teri Lyles recorded two wins as the softball team opened with four victories in five games at a tournament hosted by Texas State University during the weekend. ... The baseball team will open its season at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, against Dallas Baptist at Clay Gould Ballpark. Admission is free for students with ID.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, utamovinmavs.com, or uta.edu/campusrec.)