Stephanie Williams is a Staff Writer and Layout Designer for The Prairie. She joined the staff in Fall 2009. She is a junior majoring in Advertisting & Public Relations.
“Tuesday’s at the Tank” invites students to enjoy their in-between class times at lunch on Tuesdays outside with some special acts.
Chance Haugen, who is in charge of Tuesdays at the Tank, said the idea came from a similar program that he was involved in while in school.
“At my university, they had a program like this were you could sign up and play at the student union,” Haugen said. “So I wanted to do something like it. The Pedestrian Mall was brand new and we wanted to create some excitement on it.”
“Tuesday’s at the Tank” runs through the first six weeks of school in the fall and then begins again in April when warmer weather arrives. The next band performing is The Men of E.X.Cluzive., a steppers group at WTAMU.
Although food is not offered each week at “Tuesday’s at the Tank”, there are a few select occasions when food will be served. Commuter’s Appreciation Week and Homecoming are a few of these select days.
“Tuesday’s at the Tank” started in 2007 and has been going strong ever since. It started out as a once a month thing and seemed to be sporadic.
“Tuesday’s at the Tank” tries to provide local bands a chance to play for their peers. The CORE office provides the sound equipment.
“The best way to play is to contact me,” said Haugen, “Let me know and we can get you hooked up.”
Students hoping to enjoy “Tuesdays at the Tank” can gather in the Pedestrian Mall.
When students look to find out what is going on around campus they usually pick up the latest issue of the Prairie.
But what happens when you head home and want to show everyone what happened the entire year? The solution is to pick up The Eternal Flame, the school’s photobook.
The Le Mirage, the actual yearbook for West Texas, was discontinued in the early 90’s because of disinterest and low sales.
This resulted in no record of the University’s history in book for almost a decade. Continue reading →
Look out this spring as animal print, floral, plaid and denim lead the way for the must have prints for any look. Fashion also takes a step back in the past and brings some new twists to what your grandma wore in the 50’s and your mom in the 80’s. This season, anything goes and individuals do not have to worry about pricey pieces that will be out faster than yesterday’s trash.
When going out this spring, the key to any outfit is make it loud and wear it proud. Whether you are wearing a dress with a flowing floral print or jeans and a bright zebra tank top, make sure you rock it.
While rocking it, make sure to show off those legs. Skirts are in and not just any skirts; high-waisted and short. It’s time to bring back the circle skirts from Happy Days and team up with Madonna’s risky fashion. To help strut your stuff, go for gladiator wedges, ballet flats and of course every girl’s favorite – pumps.
Bright colors are the rage, and the best thing to work plain pieces is washed out denim. The 90’s are back, and you’ve got to have an accessory to every wardrobe. Team up these bright solid pieces with a denim vest, shorts, jeans or skirt.
The summary for this season: every era is back with a modern twist, so wear short circle skirts like the 50’s, rock the big glasses from the 60’s, wear big belts from the 70’s, bright colors from the 80’s and denim from the 90’s. During this retro year, it’s the time for any girl to make her own style impression.
Girls aren’t the only ones this season stepping out on the runway. While girls are stepping back in time, men’s fashion is springing foward. Bringing a Miami Vice feel and the casual yet fashionable surfer look, there are styles for every male.
Dark colors paired with plaids or solids are the key factors for guys to pull off the model walk. These pairs bring a classic look in an edgy way. The solids are key to making the outfit work. Bright and pastel colors are to be used when planning regular day events compared to the darks and pales for a more classic night look.
Shirt styles range from plain tee’s, polos, v-necks and button downs. To dress these plain shirts up or down consider zip up hoodies or a classic blazer.
Dark jeans are a must for the summer, and whether they’re distressed or perfectly pressed, skinny or straight legged, this item creates a casual yet fashion forward look. Jeans not your style for the warmer days? Try either white or light khaki shorts along with dark greens or browns.
Shoes for guys may not be a fetish, but to complete any look this summer, a pair of nice thong sandals, white converse, TOMS or black dress shoes will be versatile and comfortable.
To complete any look no matter what your fashion sense may be, a good pair of sunglasses is a simple accessory for guys to vogue out their outfits. Girls watch out because the perception of men fashion is changing into more than the everyday jeans and a t-shirt look.
The West Texas A&M art program just received a piece of history after being honored with the possession of the Vermillion Edition, Limited, a printing shop that holds years of history for students to inherit.
Steve Andersen, a renowned master printer, developed the Vermillion Edition, Limited, a Minneapolis-based print shop, in 1977. This printing shop was highly recognized all over the United States and was a component of the American print renaissance. Andersen’s shop became the newest center for artists to publish their work, including famous artists such as Chuck Close, Red Groomes and William Wegman.
This printing shop stood out from many others at the time by publishing fine art on the international level, and was even asked to show its publications at the American Centre in Paris in 1982. Andersen was also given a Rockefeller Foundation Award for his work.
This small printing shop made history in 1982 by removing the front of its art booth at the Chicago International Art Expo for the public that was passing by. This action was considered forbidden by producers until Vermillion exercised their freedom and within an hour that same day, more than half of the other participants followed suite presenting what we know as the art exhibits of today.
After having mass amounts of success, this printing shop moved to a quieter location in the early 90’s. Subsequent to being renamed and moved multiple times, this shop is now located at the Sunset Center in Amarillo.
Andersen is now part of the WT art program, and with his help along with members of the art facility, the arrangement for the purchase of the shop was done in the summer of 2009. The Vermillion Edition, Limited was then moved from Minnesota, its original home, to Amarillo this past September on two 55-foot semi beds.
The print shop’s new home will serve as a learning tool for current and future students, as well as a printing press for visiting artists.
“This is very exciting for us,” Scott Frish, associate professor of art, said. “It is visionary and we’re very fortunate to put our hands on this. There is no other place where students can get experience on this type of equipment, and it definitely raises the bar for our program.”
Frish hopes to be able to collaborate with the WT art program and the Amarillo art community to establish an experimental art gallery.
This print shop brings new history to WT students as well as new and exciting opportunities for students and faculty alike.
Spring Break to college students is the ultimate time to get away and have fun. However, what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. College students all across the country find that this is the best time to let loose and become someone they normally wouldn’t be.
Spring Break for many has become a time where rules are thrown to the wayside, and fun is the main priority. To help students have a safe and responsible break, the West Texas A&M’s Peer Education and Greek Community has designed numerous programs for students to help show them what can make their Spring Break memorable for the right reasons.
Starting Friday, March 5th students can participate in programs that will focus on topics that have been problems for college students in the past. Friday is a pool party at the Activity Center sponsored by Peer Education and the Greek Community. Each fraternity and sorority will present a program along with the party on what they feel is important for students to know.
Monday, March 8th will be safe travel and personal safety issues. Velma Rojas, assistant director of the Core Office said tips such as not driving long hours at a time and the buddy system will be discussed, as well as health issues like using sun screen and drinking lots of water.
Tuesday’s program, on March 9th, will discuss alcohol and drug issues. They will discuss topics like what to do if you have been drinking and what to avoid doing after.
“We (WT) would prefer students not drink, but because we know that some will, we want to give them information on how to be safe if they do drink,” Rojas said.
Sex is the topic for Wednesday, March 10th, as the Peer Education and Greek Community explain to students the responsibilities that go along with it.
Finally on Thursday, March 11th, they will hand out goodie bags that have sunscreen, Chap Stick, candy and a taxi information sheet for students to call if they need rides while they are out of town. They will also be handing out magnetic picture frames with tips that separate from the middle. These activities will all be held in the JBK at noon during the week.
“More than anything, think through things that you are doing, and be careful. We want our students to come back safely. Come learn and get tips on what to do and what not to do over Spring Break,” Rojas said.
Rojas also said that if students have any other information, they can visit the Bacchus Network website to learn more about any of the programs.
Tips for a Safe Spring Break
Remember to buckle up whether you’re the driver or not!
Wear sunscreen! Find the type that works for you, and remember to re-apply frequently.
Drink water! Remember to stay properly hydrated.
Watch your alcohol intake. Plan ahead, and know your limits.
Use a taxi service or designate a driver if you will be drinking.
Eating a well-balanced diet will increase your energy level.
Remember the saying, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?” Be sure that what happens in Vegas actually does stay in Vegas. Bring protection and play safe.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Never go anywhere alone with someone you just met.
Stick with a friend, and let someone know where you are headed.
As a new century comes closer for West Texas A&M, the campus itself will be embracing changes to make it yet a better place for students and faculty. An estimated amount of $71 million worth of new construction projects have been brought forth and will soon be evident to everyone on campus.
The construction projects have been planned to update the campus and introduce a new face for the next 100 years.
First up on the agenda is the tearing down of the Old Fine Arts building. Within the next 30-40 days, after the building has been searched and salvaged of all useable materials, demolishing will begin. The sacrifice of this building is to help the ever-growing parking problem. Completion for this project is planned for Fall 2010.
The next project for the future campus will also begin this semester. WTAMU will begin the construction of the new recreational sports complex. Upon completion, this building will be home to softball and baseball diamonds, three intramural fields, a competitive soccer field within a track, as well as practice fields for soccer, football and the WT marching band. Along with these fields, it will include outdoor basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, tennis facilities, batting cages and a grand lawn. With all the different courts, fields and facilities upon completion, this will cost an estimated
$28.1 million and will be the largest groupings of synthetic athletic fields in the United States.
However, with the building of this new rec complex, parking will be an issue. East of Jarret Hall to the north of the former campus Wind Test Center will be completely redone.
Additional parking for students and faculty can be found between the cafeteria and the activities center as well as The First United Bank Center.
Shuttles will be running from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. to help students out. Parking permits will also not be required at the FUBC at that time.
Continuing on with athletic buildings, the Virgil Henson Activities Center will also be going into phase IV of construction as a new 40-foot rock-climbing wall will be added to the front of the activities center. Construction will focus mainly on the first floor, as workers will redesign access to the workout areas for better monitoring, as well as the office located on the first floor.
Mary Moody Northen Hall will be an existing building on campus that will soon be getting a makeover on the inside. This 1970s building will be getting updated furnishings as well as new colors of paint on the inside to bring it up to date with this century.
Other smaller projects planned are renovations from six to eight laboratories in the Agricultural and Natural Sciences building and renovations of the Palo Duro Research Hospital. Additions to the JBK will be made also.
The last major project that will be affecting the campus will soon be the tearing down of Hudspeth Hall to make room for the new four-story residence hall. Jon Behrens, senior director of residential living recommends calling it “Centennial Hall.”
“This new dorm is being designed with underclassmen in mind and is massive,” said Behrens. Compared to Buff Hall, which is three stories and 66,000 square feet, this new hall will be four-stories and 95,000 square feet.
This co-ed dorm goes to the Board of Regents in May to be approved, and work will soon begin thereafter. Opening of the dorm is scheduled for Fall 2011. The Residential Living offices will also be housed in the dorm, but will be separated from the dorm living areas.
Housing 370 students, this new dorm will accompany the existing dorms on campus.
Construction will soon be happening all over campus to help bring a new face to WT for the next 100 years. Although this may be a hassle for students now, the new structures will bring a different atmosphere to the campus for many generations to come.
