SPRING 2010 - The University of Texas-Pan American

ReadingUTPA invites you to joinRevolutiontheFESTIBA 2010 March 22-27Dr. Seuss, the wildly popular children’s book author, once wrote, “The more you read, themore things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!”That’s exactly what The University of Texas-Pan American’s annual event – FESTIBA(Festival of International Books and Arts) – is all about. Scheduled this year for March 22-27 with a “Reading Revolution” theme, FESTIBA 2010 will include a wide range of excitingattractions that not only celebrate the arts and humanities but also promote literacy by increasingthe interest of children, along with adults, in reading.This year, festival goers to the weeklong event will be able to hear from notable novelists andspeakers, pose with some of their favorite storybook characters, be inspired by a HollywoodTV star and enjoy a community day filled with family activities that are both educational andfun. The celebration will include encounters with poetry, drama, scholarly lectures, artisticexhibits, musical concerts, mariachi workshops, performances in dance, theatre and film, andmuch more.Organizers say these festivities promise something for the entire family.“The community is really excited about FESTIBA. It’s really quite a unique event because webring in academic scholars who are best in their field and world class authors to do presentations.We also bring in experts to talk about the importance of literacy and what we need to do asa society to improve reading and writing skills amongst our young people,” said Dr. DahliaGuerra, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “At the same time, we have an awesomelineup of entertainment, so the variety is incredible.”Throughout FESTIBA week, children’s authors from around the country will visit localelementary schools to distribute books and curriculum guides as part of the Texas BookFestival’s “Reading Rock Stars” program. Also, a new component called “FESTIBA Hot Spots”will encourage teachers to bring their students to UTPA and engage them in hands-on activitiesthat are geared toward fostering students’ love for reading.Another first for 2010 FESTIBA is Educator Day, which will officially kick off FESTIBA onMonday, March 22. The day will include a Congressional Roundtable on Hispanic literacy inwhich panelists, including several members of Congress, UTPA President Robert S. Nelsen, andauthors and representatives of literacy programs will address issues on literacy to more than a1,000 educators and librarians. Educator Day guests will participate in breakout sessions wherethey will hear from authors, illustrators and representatives from organizations like Reading isFundamental.On Tuesday, March 23, the community will have an opportunity to sit in on presentationsby renowned Mexican authors including distinguished editor Jorge Hernandez of Mexico City,whose book Sun, Stone and Shadows, a collection of 20 Mexican short stories, was UTPA’s TheBig Read Program selection this year. Other sessions sponsored by the National Endowmentfor the Humanities (NEH) will focus on the impact of the Mexican Revolution on Mexican andLatin American art and other issues. In the evening, award-winning and critically acclaimedpoet and essayist Luis Alberto Urrea, who has 11 published books, will address the public as partof UTPA’s Distinguished Speakers Series.March 24-26, the community is invited to attend a number of other informative and livelyNEH-funded panel discussions on the impacts of the Mexican Revolution, which occurred 100years ago this year. Faculty and student presentations will also be going on, examining topics asvaried as the literary vampire to how better communication can improve your health. Mariachiworkshops and competitions will also be held on March 26.FESTIBA will conclude Saturday, March 27, with the Community Festival scheduled from4-9 p.m. on the UTPA campus. A festival highlight will be a special appearance by actress EvaLongoria Parker, who plays the role of Gabrielle Solis on ABC’s popular series, “DesperateHousewives.” Longoria Parker grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated from Texas A&M-Kingsville with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology. She will address spectators at 7 p.m.on the main stage in the UTPA Fieldhouse Parking Lot F.The fun-filled, art-infused day will also include performances by local singers and dancersas well as by the world famous Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and Mexican-American LatinGrammy-nominated group Alacranes Musical.Kids will be delighted to meet some of the country’s most popular storybook characters andenjoy storytelling, poetry readings and art and puppet shows designed for the entire family.Visitors will also be able to enter the real world of bats at “The Masters of the Night: The TrueStory of Bats,” a touring exhibition produced by Evergreen Exhibitions, now on display at theUTPA Visitors Center. The free exhibit, which includes many hands-on, interactive displays, isdesigned for all ages and brings the mystery surrounding bats out of the dark.For more information on FESTIBA or a daily schedule of events, visit www.utpa.edu/festiba orcall 956/381-3361.Community Festival RESEARCHSat., March 27 • UTpa CampusBook Fair by FollettLocation: HPE II Building – Gym 118Time: 4-10 p.m.At this Dr. Seuss extravaganza, you will be able topurchase books at a discounted price, participatein storytelling time with a famous children’s bookcharacter, see puppet shows, and take pictureswith The Grinch and The Cat-in-the-Hat!Masters of the Night ExhibitThe True Story of BatsLocation: UTPA Visitors CenterTime: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.This touring exhibition teaches about theecological importance of bats and gives visitorsan appreciation of the true wonders of the batworld. Come venture into this exhilarating exhibitthat has special effects, multi-sensory interactivedisplays, environmentally lifelike settings and evena Gothic castle!Eva Longoria ParkerLocation: Main StageUTPA FieldhouseParking Lot FTime: 7 p.m.Originally from Corpus Christi, this extraordinarywoman has conquered Hollywood through hertalent, beauty and charisma. Longoria Parker willtake questions from our audience in an excitingQ&A session. See her live at the Main Stage!Mariachi Vargas de TecalitlanLocation: Main StageUTPA FieldhouseParking Lot FTime: 8 p.m.One of Mexico’s oldest and most precious musicaltreasures, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán willdelight attendees with their repertoire of mariachimusic classics.Los Alacranes MusicalLocation: Main StageUTPA FieldhouseParking Lot FTime: 9 p.m.Get your dancing shoes ready! Young andtalented, the contagious beat of Los AlacranesMusical will get everybody on their feet, dancingto their unique style of banda duranguense.Community Festival MC:Arlene SantanaLocation: Main StageUTPA FieldhouseParking Lot FVersatile actress and TV hostess, our very own ArleneSantana has hosted many high caliber entertainment,music and sport events. She’s also played severalroles including Maquillaje, in the independent film“Salud” and in ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.” Raisedin La Joya, Santana continues to make her mark inHollywood.Los Arcos 5