‘Images from the Book: The Island University’
 A reception and photo exhibition to introduce the 60th anniversary publication “The Island University” was held Tuesday, Sept. 11, in the Mary and Jeff Bell Library. The exhibit, which runs through Friday, Oct. 12, is a collection of images from the 100-page book that blends images from the past with contemporary photographs to capture the beauty and excitement of the Island and chronicles the University’s life and history. Full Story
 Diverse Dances Featured at ‘Cultural Fusion’
The Islander Cultural Alliance presented “Cultural Fusion” featuring dances performed by diverse University groups Monday, Sept. 10, in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom. Student performers included the Middle Eastern Dance Club, Ballet Folklorico Viva Mexicana, and University student Grace Usoro, who presented traditional Nigerian dances. Students also taught dances to members of the audience.
 State of the University Highlights Community Engagement
University President Flavius Killebrew highlighted the people and programs that are making a positive impact on the Coastal Bend community before an audience of more than 800 guests during the annual State of the University Luncheon at the American Bank Center. Proceeds from the event, which officially launched the University’s 60th anniversary celebration, directly benefit students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi through the Achieve Partnership Scholarship program.
 Festival Offers Students Tastes of Indian Desserts
The India Students Association at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosted the Indian Dessert Festival Thursday, Sept. 27. In keeping with the theme “Your Food Is Incomplete without a Dessert,” 10 different Indian sweets and desserts such as badam halva, boondhi laddu, and magas will be available for tasting. These desserts, most of which are made from ingredients including grains, dry fruits, figs, ghee and vanilla, are significant to Indian culture and are often presented as gifts at weddings and festivals.
 President's Picnic Kicks Off Anniversary Celebration
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi kicked off its 60th birthday celebration at the President’s Picnic Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Lee Plaza. Students, faculty and staff enjoyed free food, musical chairs and other games and activities, and performances by the Islander Cheerleaders and Dance Team. The event was sponsored by the Student Activities’ Waves of Welcome committee.
 University Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
The University’s Hector P. Garcia Celebration was held Wednesday, Sept. 19, in the Hector P. Garcia Plaza. The festivities included folklorico performances by Early Childhood Development Center students and flamenco performances by Sentir Flamenco. The event, one of the University’s Hispanic Heritage Month activities, was sponsored by Islander Cultural Alliance and Title V Trio.
 Sailors Receive Arab Cultural Awareness Training
The 82 Officers and Sailors from Naval Station-Ingleside received Arab cultural awareness training from Dean Moustafa H. Abdelsamad prior to deploying to Bahrain. Dr. Abdelsamad, a native of Egypt, explained the region’s customs and traditions to the sailors and taught them simple phrases that will help them communicate with the country’s Arabic-speaking people.
 Experts Speak on ‘Latino Students and America’s Future’
Two national experts with Excelencia in Education who research and promote Latino/a student success spoke on “Latino Students and America’s Future” in the Performing Arts Center. Both Sarita Brown, president of Excelencia in Education, and Dr. Deborah Santiago, the organization’s vice president, have studied many successful programs for Latino students across the country and have been consultants/speakers to many Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Brown and Santiago have also served as executive director and deputy director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence under former President Bill Clinton. Full Story
 Cisneros Discusses Capture of Panamanian Dictator
Retired Lt. General Marc Cisneros, who played a highly-instrumental role in the January 1990 capture of Panamanian dictator and drug lord Manuel Noriega, spoke to students, faculty and staff at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The lecture coincided with Noriega’s scheduled release from the federal penitentiary in Miami where he has been serving time for drug trafficking and related charges. Full Story
Awards, Honors, and Grants
 Grace Langford, assistant director of the University’s Tutoring and Learning Center, has received certification as a Developmental Education Specialist from the Kellogg Institute for the Training and Certification of Developmental Educators. Grace was one of 25 educators selected from across the United States to participate in the Kellogg Institute’s certification process during the 2006-2007 academic year. Grace was awarded certification based on her participation in the training program and completion of an implementation project at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The certification is awarded through the Kellogg Institute in conjunction with Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.
 The College of Education Pinning Ceremony in the Performing Arts Center, recognized 109 students entering the Teacher Education Program. The ceremony formally welcomed students from colleges throughout the university to the profession of teaching. Each student received a commemorative pin while a statement of why the student wants to be a teacher was read. Families, friends, students and faculty shared conversations and refreshments following the ceremony. Full Story
| Research and Scholarly Activity |
Title V and Trio Programs Win National Award: The University’s Title V and Trio “Opening the Pipeline /Closing the Gaps” programs have been recognized nationally by the non-profit organization Excelencia in Education. The educational award is given each year to recognize Hispanic Serving Institutions that have demonstrated superior student outcomes and results in improving the services that Hispanic Serving colleges and universities and in creating a more successful, welcoming ambience for Hispanics on campus, especially Hispanics from low-income and first-generation families. The University’s “Opening the Pipeline/Closing the Gaps” was selected as one of top 10 programs among 90 considered for this distinction. |
| Around the Island |
 Dr. Anantha S. Babbili has been selected for the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs. For the past five years, Babbili has been the dean of the College of Mass Communication at Middle Tennessee State University. His experience includes 13 years as chair of the Department of Journalism and head of International Communication at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. The provost and vice president for Academic Affairs coordinates the University’s instructional, research, and service programs; implements policies and procedures that affect the Division of Academic Affairs; upholds academic and accreditation standards; and advises the President on academic matters. The deans of the University’s five colleges also report directly to the provost.
Recreational Sports will hold the second "Paws for Cause" dog walk to raise breast cancer awareness Friday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the Hike and Bike Trail adjacent to the University’s first entrance. The shelter dogs will be provided by the Gulf Coast Humane Society which will provide information on how to adopt a dog. The cost to walk a dog is $5 with all proceeds going to First Friday, a local organization that underwrites free mammograms for South Texans.
 In conjunction with the University’s annual “Paint the Island Pink” observance, the Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority will hold a “Think Pink Day” Wednesday, Oct. 3. Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to wear pink shirts to show their support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The sorority is asking that everyone wearing pink on that day gather at the University Center commons at 2 p.m. for a group photograph that will essentially create a pink wave of unity and support.
 The University Theatre Department will present “Anima Mundi” from Thursday, Oct. 11, through Saturday, Oct. 13, and from Thursday, Oct. 18, through Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Warren Theatre in the Center for the Arts. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Matinee performances are Sunday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. The award-winning play by Don Nigro traces a young American’s search for his elusive love, God, and the meaning of art in a stunning tapestry of memories and nightmares. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $7 for seniors and military and $3 for students with SandDollar ID.
Leading federal, state, and local accounting and financial executives held an interactive panel session on Career Opportunities in Government Monday, Sept. 24, in the Performing Arts Center. The session, which was free and open to all University students, as well as to area CPAs and the public, focused on career opportunities in government and the current impending human resource need to attract employees who can prepare themselves for leadership positions in government. Full Story
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University alumni, faculty and friends celebrated Island Day at the Hooks Game Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Whataburger Field parking lot, The tailgate party was sponsored by the Corpus Christi Area Alumni Club.
As part of the University’s campaign to stress diabetes prevention through proactive healthcare, nursing students offered free health screenings of glucose levels, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure for all students and employees during the Know Your Numbers Health Fair sponsored by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Department of Kinesiology. Full Story
The Department of Art held an opening reception for Daniel Johnston: Re-Emerging Traditions in Clay from Thailand to North Carolina” Thursday, Sept. 6, at the Weil Gallery in the Center for the Arts. The exhibit, which runs through Saturday, Oct. 27, features a variety of ceramic works using ash and salt glazes created by Johnston, a utilitarian folk potter who has traveled extensively to Thailand and other exotic locations to learn his art.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi alumna and actress Lydia Blanco spoke on “Breaking Stereotypes” Thursday, Sept. 20, in the University Center Blanco, who graduated in 1997, talked about her struggles and successes in breaking the Hispanic stereotype in Hollywood. Full Story
The Clearinghouse for Mexican American Research (CMAR) presented the documentary film “Mexican American Legislative Caucus: The Texas Struggle for Equality and Opportunity” Monday, Sept. 17, in the University Center Ballroom. The film’s executive producer, Dr. T. Jaime Chahín, dean of College of Applied Arts at Texas State University discussed the film. The event also included remarks from State Judge Linda Reyna Yañez; State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa; insurance executive Eddie Garcia; history professor Anthony Quiroz, and city councilwoman Nelda Martinez.
The Department of Art held an opening reception for Kelly G. Amen’s exhibit “No Shortage Here, No Shortage There” Friday, Sept. 14 at the Islander Art Gallery in the Hamlin Center, 4024 Weber Road. The exhibit, which runs through Sunday, Oct. 21, features the functional art of the renowned Houston-based furniture artist, who explores the crossroads of creativity and violence through the investigation of the valuable commodity of fossil fuels. This exhibition also features the works of artists Mary Miller, Philip Renteria, Mark Hougham and Sergio Santos.
The Gloria and Bob Furgason Bravo! Series opened its third season Wednesday, Sept. 19, as The Alley Cats returned to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for a benefit concert in the Performing Arts Center. Proceeds benefited the Bravo Kids’ Concert Series! “America’s Premier Doo-Wop Group” combined spontaneous humor, comic timing and audience participation to recreate some of the most memorable songs of the 1950s and 1960s. The Alley Cats have shared the stage with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recording artists Chubby Checker and the Beach Boys, as well as comedian Jerry Seinfeld.
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