Features

New school mascot?

This stately gentleman was seen on Thursday afternoon crossing the lawn below Pechero Hall on his way to the Records Office for preregistration. Just don't get in his way come registration time; this snapping turtle's jaws are used for more than just giving him a pretty face.

Students lead other students to baptism

Eileen Neave (foreground) leads out in a Bible study at the Hopps Museum. Shown with her are, from left, Jose LaPorte, Luis Castillo, Jennifer Castillo, Jamel Fluellen and Alex Popovski.

Last summer I made the decision to be baptized through a baptismal class taught by Southwestern Adventist University students Jose LaPorte and Calix Ashby. The Sabbath morning class was the beginning of a ministry orchestrated by students to help others build a relationship with Christ. As a result of the class, Gustavo Matheus and I were baptized. Little did I know that was only the beginning of God’s plan. Jose called together a group of students: Calix Ashby, Ethan Muse, Olivia Weber, Eileen Neave, Jorge Catumbela, and me. Jorge and I had been through the lessons studying with Jose and became leaders after making our decisions for Christ.

2008 Mimosa is a night to remember

Jarrod Purkeypile took advantage of the dazzling Mimosa environment at Fort Worth's Museum of Modern Art to propose to Eileen Neave.

Some students still have stars in their eyes after Sunday nights extravagant Mimosa. This year’s Mimosa was a strictly RSVP event with no walk-ins or last-minute ticket purchases. Held at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Mimosa boasted a taste of culture and elegance. SWAU students and faculty showed up dressed in their finest, and were greeted by a live jazz band and great service. The main course was Italian food with a twist, followed by the guest’s choice of several luscious desserts.

An incredible night for pizza

Freshman Ryand Boardman shows off his prize after cashing in his jackpot tickets during the social event Saturday, March 22. This social event at America's Incredible Pizza Company in Euless was a first for the Student Association. The night's entertainment consisted of a pizza, pasta and fountain drink buffet along with mini-golf, arcade games, and go-cart racing.

Striking up the night

Freshman Matthew Cushman walks back toward his table after missing a spare that would have put him in the lead at his lane. Cushman bowled during dorm activity sponsored by the James The, dean of men's residence, on Wednesday, Feb. 27. The men's residence halls usually host dorm activities, such as dodge ball or kickball, for worship credit. This time around, it was just for entertainment before the residents head out for spring break. "It was a nice change of pace, because we always have to wait for the weekend to get a break from studying," said Israel Mendez, sophomore. "Besides, I think bowling is very therapeutic."

Backstage at the Meyerson

This is the scene the audience saw when they attended "A Night at the Meyerson" on February 17. But what do the hundreds of students see and experience when they take part in the annual event? Click on the full story link below, and then the video link to see what Backstage at the Meyerson is really like.

Professor uses manikins to enhance teaching

Penny deCarvalho teaches nursing students using the new manikins.

While Penny deCarvalho was working on her masters in nursing at the University of Texas at Arlington, she took nine months off to join a group project of reestablishing a hospital in Washington D.C. that had shut down. Her job was to develop an education program to teach nurses how to work with simulations, using high-fidelity computer interactive manikins. The manikins are state-of-the-art dummies that make it easier for nursing students to learn every procedure they could possibly encounter in an actual work environment. When she returned to complete her masters, deCarvalho was accepted into UTA’s doctoral program as well. Today she is completing both degrees simultaneously. Her experience with nursing education has motivated her to pursue research in nursing education and how manikins can enhance the learning experience.

Now you see it....

Sophomore Israel Mendez has one of the most uncommon hobbies of anyone at the University. He’s an illusionist. Mendez began learning simple illusions, or "magic tricks," from his friend and fellow classmate, Allen McGowan, and now has moved past his master’s training to what he likes to call "the seventh level." Mendez said, "[McGowan] would be the one that plowed the path for anyone that performs magic at the University." Together, McGowan and Mendez started the Guild of University Illusionists, the GUI. This organization is a loose alliance of illusionists that share not only the passion for the illusions, but they each know the secrets to their magic. Other illusionists are Juniors Jair Alcon and Edwin Rodriguez. Click on the full story button below to see video of his magic tricks.

Karaoke night with the women's club

SWAU’s February 3 Saturday night activity was club night. Different clubs put on a variety of activities such as games and contests in the gym, and pizza and movie night in the Barron building. The women’s club decided to do a Karaoke night for the girls. There was lots of food and drinks provided, including some delicious chocolate chip cookies. The big room downstairs in Harmon Hall was decorated with glow sticks, and music was provided by some of SWAU’s finest. Click on the full story link below for video of the event.

Professor brings heritage, experience to SWAU

Professor Berhane leads out in an algebra class.

With a history that goes back to Ethiopia, Paulos Berhane, SWAU’s new associate professor for mathematics and physical science, brings his experience in telecommunication to give back to academia. A fifth-generation Adventist in Ethiopia, Berhane grew up in a community where it was illegal to publicly profess any belief in religion. The government set up after-school music programs in Berhane’s community to keep youth from being influenced by any outside groups. These programs led him away from the church for a few years in his youth, until he attended Akaki Adventist School for his last two years of high school. The Adventist school was a safe haven for Berhane to openly share his long-suppressed beliefs.