University Communications » Internal Communications » TrailBlazer » TrailBlazer 02-07-2012

Explosive success: A spectacular pyrotechnic and multimedia show between games got a packed College Park Center off to a rousing start Wednesday night. See more photos or watch a video of the festivities.

Extravaganza provides dazzling opening for College Park Center

One of the most anticipated days in UT Arlington history finally arrived Wednesday as College Park Center opened with an extravaganza of events surrounding a basketball doubleheader.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for this day," said President James D. Spaniolo in his remarks between games. "But now it’s here, and tonight it's great to be a Maverick.”

The four-sided Daktronics video display showed him shooting a basketball on the Texas Hall stage. In the video, his shot burst through the wall of Texas Hall, zoomed across campus, and crashed through the ceiling of College Park Center, "cutting" a giant blue ribbon amid explosive special effects and cheers from the 6,228 in attendance.

The Maverick Cheerleaders, Dance Team, Drumline, Pep Band, and Wranglers kept the spirit going, along with special guests, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The Maverick ROTC color guard presented the colors as baritone David Grogan, assistant professor of voice, sang the national anthem.

Basketball fans were not disappointed as both Maverick teams were victorious. The women downed UT San Antonio 51-40, while the men hiked their winning streak to a school-record 12 games, topping the Roadrunners 67-66.

CBS 11 broadcast four half-hour newscasts (4, 4:30, 5, and 6 p.m.) live from the center with anchor Karen Borta ('87 BA) and meteorologist Larry Mowry.

College Park Center proved to be a refreshing change for Maverick fans who have watched basketball in Texas Hall for many years.

"This is wonderful for UTA and the city of Arlington," said James Ditto ('61 BS). "We had to do something to get off the stage at Texas Hall and this facility is excellent."

The center also will host an upcoming street fair festival for Homecoming, as well as concerts, speakers, and commencements in the coming months.

Get ready for Homecoming with many special events this week

Start the celebration early this week for Maverick Homecoming Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 9-11.

Look for the Homecoming social media scavenger hunt on Facebook.

An exhibition of front page headlines of The Shorthorn is on display at the University Center Gallery in the E.H. Hereford University Center, and the University Center is turning its hallways blue.

Your photo may be worth $250 if it wins the Show Your Maverick Pride photo contest.

Decorate your room Thursday with the Residence Hall Decorating Contest or your car for Paint Your Ride noon-2 p.m. at the Arlington Hall turn-around off Pecan Street. Trade old school items for Maverick gear at MavSwap 11 a.m-2 p.m. Thursday and noon-2 p.m. Friday on the University Center mall.

The pace picks up with the Homecoming Step Show at 7 p.m. Thursday in Texas Hall.

Friday's events start with a chili cook-off noon-1 p.m. at the University Center mall. Theatre Arts alumni present the play The Lion in Winter at 8 p.m. in the Rosebud Theatre.

Celebrate good times at The Bash 9 p.m.-1 a.m. when College Park Center becomes one big nightclub. The night includes a digital dance floor, karaoke lounge, novelty photos, aerial acrobatics, and specialty snacks and beverages. The first 500 guests receive free UT Arlington Homecoming spirit wear. Admission is free.

Saturday begins with the Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball alumni game at 1 p.m. in the Maverick Activities Center.

Festival on the Plaza, a new street festival featuring the Maverick Experience, begins at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on Moritz Plaza in front of College Park Center.

The Homecoming Parade, which starts at 5:20 p.m., heads in a new direction. Three full-size floats carry the men’s basketball team, Homecoming Court, and alumni. Two modified golf cart floats carry the Movin’ Mavs and the Wranglers while six Mini-Coopers bring dignitaries. The parade starts at UTA Boulevard, heads south on Pecan Street to Third Street, through the campus and back to the University Center mall.

Tipoff time for the men's basketball game against Texas State is 7 p.m. with the Homecoming king and queen coronation at halftime. The free, general admission tickets have all been claimed, but premium seats are still available for sale by calling 817-272-5706. Check utatickets.com or the College Park Center box office for turn-back tickets and other seating availability.

Homecoming volunteers are needed to help with various programs and projects, too.

Tickets to see CNN's Soledad O'Brien now available online

Claim your tickets to see Soledad O'Brien, CNN anchor and special correspondent, at utatickets.com.

O'Brien discusses "Diversity in America" in the next Maverick Speakers Series presentation Friday, Feb. 24, at Texas Hall. Tickets are free, but required. Preferred seating can be purchased for $25.

Since joining CNN in 2003, O’Brien has reported breaking news from around the globe and has produced award-winning and critically acclaimed documentaries. She is also part of CNN’s “Best Political Team on Television.”

In 2010 O’Brien released her memoir, The Next Big Story: My Journey Through the Land of Possibilities. Recognition for her work includes awards such as Journalist of the Year and the Edward R. Murrow Award.

Other Maverick Speakers Series presentations during the spring semester include oceanographer Robert Ballard on Tuesday, March 6, at Texas Hall, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush on Friday, March 23, at College Park Center.

Prepare for parking issues, street closures for Homecoming weekend

Plan for street and lot closures related to Homecoming events Friday evening and Saturday.

General event traffic will be directed to the Park North and Park Central garages, which include about 1,100 parking spaces, and to the large lots off South Cooper Street. A drop-off and pick-up zone will be designated off Pecan Street just south of West Fourth Street.

Friday, Feb. 10

· The southern end of Lot 47 will be closed for event parking. Lot 47 is east of Pickard Hall and south of the Business Building.

· Lot F13 east of the Business Building and west of College Park Center will close after 5 p.m. Friday for event parking.

· Pecan Street will be closed from UTA Boulevard south to West Fourth Street from 8 a.m. through mid-day Sunday, Feb. 12.

Saturday, Feb. 11

· UTA Boulevard will be closed 5-6 p.m. for parade traffic. There will be no access to the Park North garage or Lots 38 and 39 north of Arlington Hall at that time.

· Lot F13 and Lot 47 will be closed to the general public all day for Homecoming events. Lot F13 is the designated parking area for disabled visitors attending the Festival on the Plaza and the 7 p.m. men’s game at College Park Center.

Students, alumni find job search help during Career Month, fair

Career Month is filled with workshops for job-seeking students and alumni and wraps up with the fall Job Fair Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Check the Career Center website for details on workshops and the Job Fair.

Volunteers are needed for one-hour shifts 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Student groups are encouraged to assist. To volunteer, visit the Career Center in Room 216 of Davis Hall and fill out a form or contact the Career Center at 817-272-2932 or careers@uta.edu. The deadline to volunteer is 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16.

Riddle me this Ify Okonkwo, left, nursing junior, poses a UT Arlington trivia question to Lakeia Coleman, a criminal justice junior during Maverick Monday. UTA Ambassadors hosted contests on history, songs, and other University facts to boost spirits for Homecoming later this week.

Join Alternative Spring Break for volunteer experience

Do you like to travel? Do you enjoy helping other people? If so, Alternative Spring Break is for you. For the week of Spring Break—March 11-17—consider heading to Arkansas, Atlanta, or New Orleans to help kids, work in homeless shelters or with farm animals.

Costs range from $300 to $450. Deadline for application has been extended to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. Apply in Room B140 on the lower level of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

For more information, visit the Alternative Spring Break website.

Black History Month entertains, educates

Take part in entertaining and educational programs during Black History Month.

"A Night of Soul" features performances by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets required.

“The Roots of Our History” displays images of prominent African-American leaders at the University Center Gallery Monday-Friday, Feb. 20-24. A reception at noon Wednesday, Feb. 22, includes readings of poetry and speech excerpts from notable African Americans.

Watch the film State of the Black College Student and stay for a talk by its director, Darryl Scriven. The film starts at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at the Lone Star Auditorium in the Maverick Activities Center.

Take a look at hip hop’s footprint at the "Evolution of Hip Hop" at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

For more on Black History Month, go to the Multicultural Affairs website.

Spend Valentine's Day on campus with these entertaining options

Take advantage of two sweet deals on campus for Valentine's Day.

Bring your sweetheart to the Planetarium for a special couples-only show or dinner under the stars Saturday, Feb. 11, or Tuesday, Feb. 14. Details are on the Planetarium website. Reservations are required. To reserve your tickets, contact the Planetarium office at 817-272-1183 or planetarium@uta.edu.

A Night of Soul features the Dallas Black Dance Theater and benefits the UT Arlington African-American Endowed Scholarship Fund. The free evening begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Part of Black History Month, the event is sponsored by Multicultural Mavericks.

Jon Daniels

Rangers general manager to speak at sport lecture

Jon Daniels, general manager of the Texas Rangers, speaks on "Texas Rangers Baseball Operations: Creating a Competitive Advantage" at the 32nd Anderson Sport Performance Lecture at noon Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the Lone Star Auditorium of the Maverick Activities Center.

Daniels was named the eighth general manager of the Texas Rangers in 2005. At the time of his appointment, he was 28 years old, the youngest general manager in Major League Baseball history. In 2010 he was named Baseball America’s Executive of the Year.

The Anderson Sport Performance Lectures are designed to supplement the Department of Kinesiology's educational mission through presentations and interactions with significant professionals from various areas of the sport culture.

Ya'Ke Smith

Filmmaker featured in Focus on Faculty

Ya'Ke Smith, assistant professor of art and art history, discusses "Wolf: A case study in the making of a feature film" in this month's Focus on Faculty presentation at noon Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library.

Wolf, directed by Smith, tells the story of a family whose son has been molested by their pastor. The film has been accepted into the SXSW Film Festival in March.

Smith shares his experience making the film, shot in the summer of 2011 in San Antonio, as well as what attracted him to the topic. His discussion provides insight into taking a film from the initial idea to final execution.

The Focus on Faculty lecture series is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Tommie Wingfield at wingfield@uta.edu or 817-272-2658.

Freshman Progress Reports

Faculty with freshmen in their classes are entering early progress report grades into MyMav. The deadline for these grades to be entered is Friday, Feb. 10, although the grades are available to students as soon as they are entered and remain available through Thursday, Feb. 23. Freshmen should check their grades in MyMav and seek guidance from an academic adviser with any concerns about academic performance. A list of academic advising offices is online.

Fall 2011 Diplomas Available Feb. 21

Undergraduates who graduated in December can pick up their diplomas beginning Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration, Room 129, Davis Hall. For students who selected the mail option, diplomas will be mailed to you Feb. 21.

Late spring undergraduate graduation applications accepted through Feb. 27

Undergraduates can still apply for spring graduation, but the candidate’s name may not appear in the program and the candidate may not receive commencement ceremony tickets from the respective college or school. The late graduation fee is $60. The undergraduate application for graduation is available online.

Amy Anderson shares a funny view of life Comedian and actress Amy Anderson brings her humor to the One Mic Stand Comedy series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the Rosebud Theatre in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Anderson—born in Korea, adopted by Swedish parents, and raised in suburban Minnesota—has appeared on television's Comedy Central, Showtime, The Tom Joyner Show, and more. Check out her fun blog at amyanderson.net. Also, her daughter plays the toddler Lily on ABC’s Modern Family. Come early and compete in a pre-show audience joke competition. Free general admission while seats last. Doors open at 7 p.m. EXCEL Campus Activities hosts Wednesday's show. For more information contact 817-272-2963 or excel-entertainment@uta.edu.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Wind Symphony Concert Wind Symphony performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Wednesday, Feb. 8

$2 Movie: Crazy, Stupid, Love Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

Mav-Mazing Race Amazing races and prizes. Free. 6-7:30 p.m., University Center mall. UTA Ambassadors, ms.uta@uta.edu.

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Sam Houston State. Free with student ID. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

Thursday, Feb. 9

There's No Sun Shining Through Opening reception for an exhibit by Corey Gossett ('06 BFA), who took first place in the 2011 inaugural juried summer exhibition, 897 Square. Free. 6-9 p.m., special performance 6:45 p.m., Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Friday, Feb. 10

Student Affairs Open House The Division of Student Affairs unveils its the newly remodeled offices. Door prizes include a Kindle Fire, a Kindle Reader, and a UT Arlington hoodie. 3-4 p.m., lower level of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Affairs.

'The Lion in Winter' Theatre Arts alumni present this historical drama. Free. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Theatre Arts.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Men's basketball Mavericks vs. Texas State. Free with student ID. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics, 817-272-2261.

'Mountain Language' and 'Holy Days' Theatre students present two one-act plays, Mountain Language and Holy Days. Free. 8 p.m., Studio Theatre, Room 137, Fine Arts Building. Also 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12. Theatre Arts, 817-272-2669.

Wednesday, Feb. 15

$2 Movie: Valentine's Day Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

$1 Movie: Immortals Rated R. Free fresh-popped popcorn with admission; other concessions for sale. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, 817-272-2963 or excel-traditions@uta.edu.

Ongoing

The Medium Is the Message Group show demonstrating a wide variety of painting styles, techniques, and content. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through Saturday, Feb. 11. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building.

Impressions of the West: Works of Art from Special Collections The American West comes alive in more than 30 paintings, sculptures, and prints. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through Saturday, April 28. Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library. 817-272-3393.

Planetarium Bring your sweetheart to the Planetarium for a Valentine's couples-only show, Romancing the Stars. 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14. Planetarium, 817-272-1183.

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

Tuesday, Feb. 7	Mock Interview Day Sharpen your interview skills with a 30-minute session. Register at hireamaverick.com. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Room 216, Davis Hall. Career Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 8	Focus on Faculty: Ya'ke Smith Ya'ke Smith, assistant professor of film, discusses his film Wolf, filmed in San Antonio last summer. Free. Noon-1 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. UT Arlington Library. Physics Colloquium Series Krishna Venkateswaran, principal scientist at Alcon Research Laboratories, discusses "Adaptive Optics: Science and Applications." Free. 4 p.m., Room 101, Science Hall. Physics. Building Science Expo "Glass Technology: The Work of James Carpenter Design Associates" is the keynote presentation. Free. 7 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Architecture, 10th Annual UTA Building Science Expo. History Research Brownbag Christopher Morris, right, associate professor of history, speaks. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 321, University Hall. History. Student Veterans Workshop Note-Taking and Reading Techniques. Free. 1-2 p.m., Room 303, Ransom Hall. Also 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15. University College. How to Find a Federal Job Workshop Learn from federal agency reps on how to get jobs and how to write a federal resume. No RSVP needed. Free. 12:30-2 p.m., Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Career Center. Conversations: First College Student in the Family Are you the first in your family to attend college? Discuss issues that may be unique to your experience. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 101, College Hall. Counseling Services.
Monday, Feb. 13	Engineering Speaker Series Cory Doctorow, science fiction novelist, technology activist, and co-editor of boingboing.net, discusses "What We Talk About When We Talk About Internet Regulation." Free. Reception 6 p.m., second floor lounge, Maverick Activities Center. Lecture 7 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Engineering.
Wednesday, Feb. 15	Managing Study Time Free. Noon, Room 101, College Hall. University College, Success Series. Physics Colloquium Series Haiying Huang, right, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, is guest speaker. Free. 4 p.m., Room 101, Science Hall. Physics. The Big Payback: Understanding Student Loans Free. 2-3 p.m., Rio Grande Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. University College, Success Series. GIS Workshop This workshop will lead participants through an exercise to determine the best locations in the DFW Metroplex to open a new pizzeria. No GIS experience required. No registration. Open to the public. Free. 3:30-5 p.m., Room B20, Central Library. UT Arlington Library, TechnoScholars.
(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)

Blazin' Mav: LaMarcus Reed totaled 46 points in the last two games and leads the men's basketball team with a 16.7 scoring average.

Mav men hike winning streak to 13

LaMarcus Reed scored 20 of his 22 points in the second half as the men’s basketball team increased its school-record winning streak to 13 games with a 69-61 victory at Central Arkansas on Saturday.

The Mavericks are 9-0 in the Southland Conference and play at Sam Houston State on Wednesday, Feb. 8, before hosting Texas State in the Homecoming contest Saturday, Feb. 11.

Women host Sam Houston State

The women’s basketball team hosts Sam Houston State at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at College Park Center. Admission is free.

Central Arkansas rallied to down the Mavericks 53-51 on Saturday as UT Arlington slipped to 2-6 in the Southland Conference.

Men second, women third at Wichita indoor meet

The men's track and field team placed second, while the women took third at the two-day Varsity Apartments Invitational hosted by Wichita State on Friday and Saturday.

For the men, Jeff Rodriguez won the pole vault and Emil Blomberg was first in the mile. Individual winners for the women were DeAndrea Smith in the 400, Lindsey Putman in the 800, and Emily Koenig in the 3000.

Intramural entries due for rock climbing, billiards

Intramural entries for rock climbing and for the billiards tournament are due today, Tuesday, Feb. 7, while racquetball singles and doubles entries are due Wednesday, Feb. 8.

Other upcoming sports and entry dates are foosball, Tuesday, Feb. 14; and singles and doubles tennis plus outdoor soccer, Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Sports Briefs

• Softball—season opens Friday, Feb. 10, as Mavericks begin weekend tournament at Baylor.

• Movin’ Mavs—play Austin Wreckers at 11 a.m., alumni game at 1 p.m. , and Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Maverick Activities Center. Also play Austin Wreckers at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, in the Physical Education Building.

• Women’s Tennis—victories over Central Arkansas and Central Oklahoma improved record to 3-1. Play Kansas State and Tulsa in Tulsa, Okla., this weekend.

• Men’s Tennis—on Saturday, Feb. 11, hosts matches with Cameron at 10 a.m. and Centenary at 3 p.m.

• Golf—defending Southland Conference champion Mavericks open the spring season at the San Diego Intercollegiate on Monday, Feb. 13.

• Movin’ Mavs—will receive a $1,250 grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the foundation announced.

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