Shorthorn News

Tarrant County Commissioners Court to vote on redistricting

After weeks of deliberation, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court will vote on controversial redistricting maps that could split Arlington into multiple precincts on Tuesday in Fort Worth. The proposed maps could shift Precinct 2, Arlington’s main precinct represented by Democratic commissioner Alisa Simmons, to lean more Republican, according to county data. Simmons’ term ends in 2026, and she will have to run for reelection to keep her position. Seven maps that will affect parts of north, east and west Arlington are in consideration, determining whether areas are part of Districts 1, 2 or 3. Plans to redistrict moved into motion early April when the commissioners court approved an agreement with the Public Interest Legal Foundation. The foundation is providing legal guidance on potential changes to district boundaries for the 2026 primary and general elections. The redistricting is seen as a political and partisan issue by several stakeholders. In a statement, Republican Commissioner Manny Ramirez said he leads his work with a strict focus on conservative policies and values, giving limited attention to political noise. “However, there is one distinct responsibility of this job that is, in my opinion, very political and that is redistricting,” he said. “Conservative policies and values continue to make Tarrant County the greatest and most successful county in the nation.” On May 23, 10 Tarrant County mayors signed a letter opposing redistricting. In the document they voiced concern that the data used from the 2020 census is outdated and won’t effectively represent demographics due to recent growth in the county. The letter urges the commissioners to wait until the 2030 census is released, when data will be more representative. Since the letter was sent, the mayors of Dalworthington Gardens and Pantego have requested their removal from the statement, now in support of the redistricting, according to a Facebook post from County Judge Tim O’Hare. Simmons said in a press release that the mayors are right to speak out. “This is not just a minority issue, it’s a community issue,” Simmons said. “It’s an attack on our values, on good governance and on the wallets of hardworking families across our county.” Texas Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, said the redistricting proposals violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965. “A mid-decade redistricting is a completely unnecessary, foolish endeavor that will undoubtedly expose Tarrant County taxpayers to costly litigation,” he said. On May 26, the Arlington city council voted 8-1 on a resolution opposing the redistricting. Other councils in Tarrant County have voted on similar resolutions, with varying outcomes. Fort Worth’s council passed its resolution in a 6-4 vote. Dallas County last redistricted in 2021, when the census data was just a year old. It has been more than a decade since Tarrant County changed its voter maps. @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show to bring community

Downtown Arlington Management Corp. will host its fourth annual Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 7 at the Vandergriff Town Center. This event will showcase over 150 classic and antique cars from the ’20s through the ’70s, representing half a century of restored, maintained and beloved vehicles from the past, according to the event listing. The free event features a live DJ, food from Prince Lebanese and Chick-fil-A and the new Rotary Dream Park. General car registration is $25, and vehicles must be registered separately and be built on or before 1979. Registration ends at noon Thursday, and all entry fees will be donated to the Arlington Police Foundation. Car owners must arrive between 7 and 8:30 a.m., with no entries allowed after 8:45 a.m. All cars must be pre-registered, and there are no walk-ups due to limited space. Maggie Campbell, Downtown Arlington Management Corp. president and CEO, said the car show resonated with the community when they first did it after the pandemic. Since then, the car show has consistently drawn between 2500 and 3000 people per event, Campbell said. “It keeps growing and getting better year after year,” she said. Ten judges will select first and second place from each of the five decades at 2 p.m. The winning cars will be given trophies for best of show, best story, best club participation, mayor’s choice, best hometown car and people’s choice. The top 10 cars will also receive a commemorative license plate, and other winners will receive gift certificates. The winners of the best story and best hometown car will be featured in an Arlington Today Magazine issue about the 2025 car show. Best of show will receive two free Texas Rangers home game tickets and a one-night stay at the Loews Arlington Hotel. Seniors, first responders and veterans receive a discount for registration. For the promo code, contact damc@downtownarlington.org or call 817-303-2800 for more information. “[The event] instills a sense of civic pride and a sense of community, and that is something that is very important, but it’s hard to measure,” Campbell said. “You know it when you see it and you feel it when you’re there.” news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Meet The Shorthorn’s summer 2025 editor team

UTA, TCC leaders tout success in preparing students for workforce, anticipate growth

Leaders of UTA and Tarrant County College see their institutions’ partnership as the way to strengthen economic opportunities in North Texas. “We're united by a belief that when our students thrive, so does our entire region,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley told business and collegiate leaders at the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s third annual State of Higher Education event Thursday at College Park Center. At the event, Cowley and Elva LeBlanc, Tarrant County College chancellor, touted their colleges’ ability to prepare students to join the workforce. TCC is celebrating its 60th anniversary and UTA its 130th. Combined, the colleges serve more than 100,000 students annually, said Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. They have an economic impact of almost $30 billion within the state and region. LeBlanc said TCC prepares students for high-demand careers, from aviation and automotive technology to education and health care. The college, in partnership with the Fort Worth Film Commission, plans to offer four new certificates in spring 2026 to train production crews in preparation for North Texas’ boom in films and TV shows. TCC will continue to manage funding responsibly, including a move to zero-based budgeting in the upcoming fiscal year, LeBlanc said. The accounting method calls for justifying every expense each period. TCC is also providing free tuition to dual credit students from low-income families. “Our students and their families invest so much in higher education — their faith in us means everything,” she said. “And our taxpayers and partners trust us to use our resources wisely.” Cowley said she sees UTA’s and the City of Arlington’s progress as intertwined and unbreakable. UTA’s Blaze Forward program will fully cover tuition and fees for 65% of more than 5,000 incoming freshmen in the upcoming school year, Cowley said. The university is also serving more than 100 students through the Emerging Mavericks program, which supports those who aged out of foster care or experienced homelessness. The university is preparing for a new aviation innovation and management program in spring 2026, Cowley said. UTA has produced alumni in several fields, from veterans awarded the Medal of Honor to those working at NASA. They've served in the Texas Legislature. They have designed everything from Globe Life Field to a net-zero energy skyscraper, Cowley said. And they’ve worked with Frito-Lay to improve the seasoning of their chips. “Every time you snack on a perfectly seasoned and shaped Dorito, you have a Maverick to thank for that,” Cowley said to the audience’s applause. “You’re welcome.” @DangHLe news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Women’s flag football lands at UTA

For the first time since the ’80s, football is returning to UTA. However, it will not be in the fashion that people expected. UTA President Jennifer Cowley announced Thursday that women’s flag football will join campus athletics as a varsity sport. The program will begin competing in spring 2027 as the first Texas NCAA Division I university hosting the sport and the fifth nationwide. The program was created to push UTA to the forefront of the emerging sport and increase offerings for its female athletes. The team will play at Maverick Stadium, and coaching staff will be hired later this year, with player signings anticipated after in the fall. The average roster contains 25 players. There are over 50 colleges and universities nationwide offering women’s flag football, and the sport will have its Olympic debut in 2028 in Los Angeles. Over 50 high schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area now have the sport. Flag football’s growing audience and addition to the Olympics were deciding factors in the university’s decision to bring it to campus, according to a press release. UTA’s announcement follows similar efforts from the Arlington Independent School District, which launched a high school girls’ flag football pilot program with six schools in April with the support of the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys collaborated with school districts and partners statewide over the past nine months to create varsity-level 7-on-7 programs set to compete in spring 2025. “The response we've had by adding that, it's been really remarkable. The interest in the sport in just our first year, and the amount of student athletes that are showing up, participating in it,” said Eric White, Arlington ISD director of athletics, in a press conference. A couple of years ago, students voted to increase the number of women’s sports at UTA, and after planning and evaluation, flag football rose to the top, Cowley said in the press conference. UTA can readily host the sport in existing facilities, she added. “We felt it was just the right time to be able to start and create a pathway for those future Olympic athletes,” she said. Cowley made the announcement to UTA and Tarrant County College faculty and staff, along with various DFW stakeholders, during the third annual State of Higher Education event Thursday at College Park Center. Tiny footballs were placed on tables at the event to hint at the announcement, which was saved for last. Cowley told attendees she looks forward to having a future Olympian and encouraged people to cheer on the newest Lady Mavs in the near future. “Football is king in Texas, we all know that. But where is the queen?” she said. @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

UT System Board of Regents approves updated master plan, new UC

The UT System Board of Regents met with UTA President Jennifer Cowley and other stakeholders to discuss updates to UTA’s Campus Master Plan, the new University Center, UTA West funding and more during its Wednesday and Thursday meetings. The board approved the updated Campus Master Plan after a presentation from Cowley. The Campus Master Plan helps UTA re-examine physical campus improvements every 10 to 20 years and prioritize near, medium and long-term capital improvements. UTA has been following a road map to revise the master plan since fall 2023, using community feedback, data and analysis. Cowley said the plan is tightly aligned with UTA’s strategic plan, which leads to five main campus initiatives: enhancing the sense of place, aligning the student experience and mission, investing in academic and research space, building infrastructure and connecting with North Texas and beyond. The university is seeking funding for three near-term initiatives: a performing arts center, more student housing and an improved library mall. Cowley said the Fine Arts Building’s orchestra performance space isn’t big enough to fit UTA’s orchestra. Building a performing arts center is an “urgent need” that would address deferred maintenance and provide modern performance spaces, she said. The new library mall aims to reimagine the space as a plaza with outdoor gathering areas and a shade structure. “The spaces between our buildings, they create living rooms across our campus, and so we’re focused on the library mall,” Cowley said. With the growing need for student housing, she said she hopes to present a project to the board in the fall adding 770 apartment beds. “We need to have a mix of both the residence hall style [housing] and apartments to support our student needs,” Cowley said. The updated master plan also focuses on improving deferred maintenance for aging buildings, which for the main campus brings an estimated cost of more than $136 million. Replacing outdated buildings often improves energy efficiency, according to Cowley’s presentation. “Deferred maintenance is something we have to pay attention to, so a number of the buildings I talked about are ones that are reaching that point. It’s time for major renewal,” she said. Cowley also displayed a map highlighting the oldest buildings. The most at-risk structures are those on the immediate west side of the University Center such as Woolf Hall, the Earth and Environmental Sciences building and Science Hall. Later in the meeting, the board approved the new University Center project after Cowley presented key details surrounding the $175 million building. The oldest parts of the building will be demolished and replaced with a larger addition, she said. The building will have about 148,562 gross square feet demolished, with 96,220 gross square feet undergoing renovations and 166,444 gross square feet in new construction. The new addition will include meeting and event spaces, a computer lab, shared dining and common spaces, enhanced student engagement spaces and collaborative spaces. “This is helping to advance our goals around student success, making sure that we’re helping support a positive student experience and promoting community engagement,” Cowley said. On Thursday, the regents approved the City of Fort Worth’s $4 million reimbursement to UTA for the various infrastructure improvements resulting from the incoming UTA West campus. Two million dollars will be provided within 90 days of the contract being signed and the remaining $2 million within 90 days of UTA providing a copy of the Final Completion Report showing the completion of infrastructure work. @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Mavericks gathered for softball pre-game ceremony honoring Allan Saxe

Friends, family and Mavericks gathered Friday for UTA softball’s pre-game ceremony, honoring the late community benefactor and renowned professor Allan Saxe on his namesake — Allan Saxe Field. Saxe was a retired UTA political science professor and philanthropist known for his civic generosity. He died at 85 last June, and is survived by his wife Ruthie Brock, who threw the first pitch at the game against Seattle University. Angela Perry, assistant athletics director for governance and integrity, said the department wanted to have a ceremony for Saxe during softball season to keep his memory alive. “He’s been very involved with all of our upgrades here at UTA, and very supportive of athletics and softball, so we just think that it is a no-brainer. We want to honor him,” Perry said. An alumna, former student athlete and UTA softball coach, she said she’s only known the ballpark as Allan Saxe Field. It’s become synonymous with the sport. “It’s almost full circle for me, because I was a student athlete, I was a coach, now I’m an administrator, and I get to help facilitate and put this together,” she said. “It’s just an honor for us to be able to do that, honor him and his name and his legacy, what he means to our softball program community.” The ceremony kicked off with a video honoring Saxe’s impact and the legacy he left in Arlington, featuring various speakers, including UTA President Jennifer Cowley, head softball coach Kara Dill, deputy athletics director Debbie Garcia and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. Before Brock threw the first pitch, she received a picture frame of Saxe from the softball team. While he wasn’t athletic, Brock said Saxe had a love for sports. He helped the athletics program greatly through donations and support. Brock said she was touched to see the impact Saxe had on the community and how UTA Athletics honored his work. “I’m here to just help keep Allan’s memory alive,” she said. Beyond philanthropy and athletics, Saxe’s influence extended to academics. Athletics director Jon Fagg said there are stories of students lined up to take Saxe’s classes. “His legacy is as much teaching as anything. He was a beloved professor,” Fagg said. “I think reminding all our students, while you’re going through school, pay attention to your professors.” On a deeper level, Saxe’s deeds didn’t falter either. He fostered personal relationships and supported his neighbors. Arlington resident Beverly Damon, 61, and a neighbor of Saxe, said Saxe and Brock encouraged Damon’s family and would watch her daughter skate at the mall. Damon attended the ceremony to support Brock and said her family treasures their relationship. Since Saxe’s death, they’ve been honored to stay close and help care for Brock, she said. Saxe’s life was about helping others and making their lives better, Damon said. With the late philanthropist’s name plastered everywhere in the city, she said it was only a matter of time until UTA held another event in his honor. “He is an icon. He was the neighborhood celebrity,” Damon said. @amandaLaldridge @_.lexlie_ news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

UTA’s Moon Tree celebrates 1-year anniversary of touching down on campus

The UTA Planetarium and College of Science celebrated the one-year anniversary of their space-cultivated Moon Tree on Tuesday afternoon at the Planetarium, teaching attendees about the sapling’s off-Earth history. The Planetarium received the sweetgum sapling from NASA and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service on April 24, 2024, and planted it outside the Chemistry and Physics Building the next day, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. The sapling received its nickname Moon Tree after being one of several seedlings to orbit around the moon during Artemis I, an uncrewed lunar orbit mission. Since its arrival at UTA, Planetarium coordinator McKenna Dowd said in an email the Moon Tree has grown to be 54 inches tall. “I’m so thrilled that we’re a part of history in a sense,” Dowd said. Dowd gave a presentation about Artemis I’s mission during the event. Five different tree species seedlings orbited the moon: Douglas Fir, Loblolly Pine, Giant Sequoia, American Sycamore and Sweetgum. The seeds were sent into space for two reasons: to continue understanding how seeds can be taken into space and grow upon their return – a vital role for the future of human space exploration – and to give communities a living connection to space exploration, she said. NASA’s Orion spacecraft carried the seeds, performing a half revolution of six days in an orbit 43,730 miles from the surface of the moon. “It went farther than any human has ever travelled in space,” Dowd said. Researchers measured the seedlings’ growth after their return to Earth, and their findings suggest that if the seeds are stored in sub-optimal conditions for a short period, they will continue to grow despite space travel, she said. “This is huge for space exploration,” Dowd said in her presentation. Artemis I saplings have taken root at 236 locations across the United States and organizations are cultivating more than just trees, she said. They are sparking curiosity about space, nurturing community connections and fostering a deeper understanding of NASA’s missions. Once the show ended, guests enjoyed refreshments and participated in activities such as making a space souvenir and building a small, personal herb garden. Ashley Garza, College of Science special events and alumni coordinator, said she wanted to help Dowd celebrate the Moon Tree through the “build a herb garden” activity, as it was a great way to connect outer space with environmental science. “I think we’ve had a great turnout,” she said. “It’s simple, it’s also a study break for the students to do something.” Nursing juniors Jackie Rodriguez and Carolina Trevizo participated in building their own herb garden. Trevizo said she chose cilantro because she uses the plant often, and Rodriguez said she chose borage because of the beautiful picture of the plant shown at the event. “We were just walking in here and we saw everything set up and so we just came back when it started,” Trevizo said. “We were just interested by the plants and stuff.” Looking forward to next year, Dowd said she hopes more UTA students will get involved with the Moon tree and NASA research, whether they are an art major, environmental science major or pursuing any other field of study. “I’m super excited to just have a way for the community to learn about the Moon Tree and connect,” she said. “And hopefully get super excited and more involved with its presence on campus.” news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Know before you go: 2025 spring commencement

With commencement for the spring semester coming up May 9 at Globe Life Field, here is everything graduates should know about the ceremonies. Graduates do not need commencement tickets, but must print and present their GradPass at the ceremony. GradPasses will be available through Tassel. Guest tickets will be released Thursday through the MLB Ballpark App or the My Rangers Tickets mobile browser. Printed or screenshotted tickets will not be accepted at Globe Life Field and seating is first come, first serve. All bags and purses must be soft-sided and not exceed 16-by-16-by-8 inches. Prohibitions include, but are not limited to: banners or items that may obstruct view, glitter or confetti, noisemakers, or drones. Backpacks are not allowed, even clear ones. Parking is free for ticketed guests, who can park at four nearby lots. Parking shuttles and wheelchair escorts are available upon request. The Globe Life Field parking map can be found online. Graduates should plan to arrive at Globe Life Field at least 75 minutes before their ceremony start time. Doors open 60 minutes before each ceremony for guests. UTA commencement ceremonies last about two to two and a half hours. Flash Photography will be present at all UTA commencement ceremonies and will take two photos of each graduate as they walk the stage. Complimentary proofs will be mailed to graduates one week after the ceremony. A live stream will be available at go.uta.edu/commencement. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

All 27 UTA students’ SEVIS records reinstated after federal reversal of terminations

All 27 UTA students who had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System records terminated have had them reinstated after a federal reversal, university spokesperson Joe Carpenter confirmed Tuesday in an email. The changes come following an announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday, which notified the reinstatement of thousands of international students whose visa registrations were revoked due to minor, and often dismissed, legal infractions, according to Politico. The revocations were scrutinized by courts, with many judges deeming the mass terminations of students from a federal database as flagrantly illegal. As of April 11, 176 students across the UT System had their visas revoked by the federal government, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Nationwide, The New York Times analyzed that more than 1,500 visas at 222 schools were canceled. The terminations caused concern for many international students who feared they might lose their legal immigration status and could be quickly deported. An immigration lawyer told The Shorthorn that many people in these cases tend to self-deport voluntarily without contacting an immigration attorney. “This remains a very fluid situation, and the UTA Office of International Education continues to work directly with all affected students to keep them updated on their individual statuses and to assist in supporting their individual needs,” Carpenter said. Multiple Texas universities have confirmed that their students’ visas have been restored, including UT Austin, University of North Texas and Texas A&M University. Information on international students, scholars and exchange visitors is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record. The record is distinct from a student visa, but it does contain the student’s visa number, its issuance and expiration dates. The U.S. Department of State can revoke a student’s visa if they fail to maintain its terms, which include an insufficient course load or working without authorization, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In recent attempts to strip student visas, President Donald Trump’s administration did not provide specific reasons for most cases. When UTA confirmed the 27 students impacted by the efforts to terminate visas, President Jennifer Cowley said the university did not have specifics behind the decisions to revoke visas. During an April 16 campus event, Cowley said students were allowed to continue enrollment even if their status was revoked. The Department of Justice said that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement is working on a new policy regarding students studying in the U.S. on F-1 visas granted to noncitizens studying full-time in the country, according to Politico. The policy will provide a “framework for SEVIS record terminations.” @DangHLe news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

One Night in Asia shines light on culture, tradition

The University Center’s Rosebud Theatre was transformed into a colorful display of culture Monday evening during One Night in Asia, bringing various traditions from food to song and dance performances. Hosted by the Intercultural Student Engagement Center as part of its Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations, the annual event saw individuals and student organizations take the stage, with some donning cultural attire. Aysia Nguyễn, Intercultural Student Engagement Center student development and outreach coordinator, said the event’s goal is to celebrate and teach Mavericks about AAPI culture, bringing awareness to it and giving attendees a good time. “As an AAPI first-gen myself, it’s always been really important for me when I was in school and now as a professional, to bring exposure to students from my community, but also bring in students from different communities to be a part of that,” Nguyễn said. Students arriving at the theater were greeted by a diverse platter of meal options from Prince Lebanese Grill, ranging from falafel to burma baklava. Signage at the entrance showcased prominent Asian figures in activism, music and science. The crowd held their breath when the first performers, a duo from the Nepalese Student Association, took the stage for their traditional dance. The pair wore the clothing of the Magar, one of Nepal’s largest ethnic groups, according to Britannica. Eyes across the auditorium were drawn in as their red and blue dresses flowed in synchronization with their dances. Sparsha Acharya, Nepalese Student Association president, performed with event manager Isuna Bhusal. Acharya said they wanted to showcase their culture and religion and found the event a good outlet to do so. Practicing for the performance brought them closer. “I love dancing and I love showing my culture,” Bhusal said. “So to make friends through the culture and dance is like an experience that connects both things that I like.” Following a few individual performances, several members of the Indian Mavericks Society dance team took the stage. It highlighted different states in India, representing all the Indian languages spoken at UTA. The crowd erupted in cheers as dancers transitioned with the music through each individual state. Yash Ajariwal, Indian Mavericks Society president, said performing at One Night in Asia was a great opportunity to represent Indian culture on a diverse platform while collaborating with other Asian communities on campus. During their performance, he said he felt a mix of excitement and pride seeing the community engaged and enjoying their performance. Multiple Asian organizations took to the stage and performed throughout the night. Between performances, attendees participated in raffle giveaways and trivia games. Anthony Danh, vice president for the Korean Culture Association and the Thai, Lao & Cambodian Association, said while he wasn’t participating in the performances, he attended the event with his clubs to show support and celebrate Asian culture. Danh said sharing his Lao culture felt liberating, especially since it isn’t expressed as much on campus. “It’s really beneficial to students, not only just to come out and socialize and see what’s on campus, but to also learn more about the cultures and how they’re presented on campus,” he said. The Korean Culture Association was the last organization in the spotlight. KCA Elite, one of the organization’s dancing groups, made the crowd roar after finishing their performance with multiple solo dance segments. KCA Elite member Rhythm Butler said it’s always fun to be on stage with friends, and while their performance took a lot of practice and days spent drilling in the hot sun, it was worth it in the end. “You get to exist in a different world when you get to perform,” Butler said. “It’s just so nice to put on a show, especially with other people that you work so hard with.” @PMalkomes @samip.parajuli.54 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

The Shorthorn brings home dozens of awards from spring conventions, contests

This spring, The Shorthorn was recognized by various student media organizations, including the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Society of Professional Journalists Region 8 and Associated Collegiate Press. Laurie Fox, Student Publications assistant director and Shorthorn newsroom adviser, said the conventions allow student journalists to connect with other college newspapers and have their work examined by professional journalists. They also provide opportunities to learn and network. “We don’t know what twists and turns their careers will take when they leave from here,” Fox said. “Sometimes it’s just one thing a professional said to them in a convention that really landed with them, and that’s really powerful.” The Texas Intercollegiate Press Association hosts annual statewide conventions, offering workshops, live competitions, guest speakers, awards and scholarships. The organization aims to equip and empower Texas college students. Live competitions simulate real-world journalistic situations, including the feature writing competition, which sent students to downtown San Marcos, Texas, to find a feature article and then write it within an hour. James Ward, English junior and Shorthorn news reporter, received an honorable mention in the feature writing competition. While most competitors went in one direction toward downtown shops, Ward decided to walk in the opposite direction until he found an independent bookstore to write about. After gathering the information he needed, he said he got back onto the bus and wrote his story in 30 minutes. Student Publications director Kevin Cummings and Fox judged different writing competitions at the convention. “It shows that they have a grasp on those abilities, and that they can, at the end of the day, be confident in themselves, even if they don’t necessarily know it going into it,” Cummings said. At this year’s Texas Intercollegiate Press Association conference, The Shorthorn took home 58 awards. Christine Vo, journalism senior and Shorthorn editor-in-chief, received the editor/news director of the year award, which recognizes her comprehensive leadership qualities. “In my portfolio, it was mostly work that our staff did because I think that’s the most important thing about being a leader, is making sure your staff is growing and is exploring new opportunities and being pushed out of their comfort zone,” Vo said. The Associated Collegiate Press is a national organization that hosts events, competitions and journalism education services advancing student media. In March, The Shorthorn won eight awards during the spring convention in California. The publication won the association’s preeminent award, the 2025 student media business pacemaker, which recognizes student media business and operations teams that ensure student media is supported financially. “It does represent a huge feather in the cap of our advertising students,” Fox said. The Society of Professional Journalists is a nationwide organization dedicated to protecting the free practice of journalism, high ethical standards and promoting the free flow of information. The Shorthorn received 10 winners and 15 finalist recognitions in the Region 8 Mark of Excellence awards. Region 8 comprises Oklahoma and Texas. The publication won the Corbin Gwaltney award for best all-around student newspaper and best affiliated website. Awards show the development of Shorthorn staffers and the newspaper itself, offering opportunities to be challenged and grow, Vo said. “This is not about the awards, it’s about the work,” she said. “It’s about what we’re passionate about. It’s about representing our community.” news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Evening of Black Excellence honors graduates, builds community

UTA’s Black Alumni Chapter and Arlington Mayor’s Black Advisory Council are partnering to recognize fall 2024 and spring 2025 graduates at the Evening of Black Excellence from 7 to 9 p.m. May 7 at The White Room in Pantego, Texas. Xavier Egan, Black Alumni Chapter president, said the event is an opportunity to celebrate Black or African American students outside of commencement. “Sometimes you don’t get the extra tickets to the actual ceremony,” Egan said. “It really just gives an opportunity to be more of a family, friends and community type of event.” The first Black UTA students were enrolled in 1962, and Egan said each alum represents those past experiences and helps build the future as the university celebrates its 130th anniversary. "It's a different experience today that students are having in 2025 and whether we think it’s good, bad or indifferent, it’s still a part of the history and a part of what makes us hopefully the better people that we’re planning to be,” he said. The event will be held off campus this year and will act as an opportunity to engage with the community. Students will have the chance to network with alumni, faculty, staff members and other leaders. Graduates will receive a free membership to the Black Alumni Chapter, which Egan said connects them to a network of activities, events and other alumni. Students can register for the event online for $20 and receive a Black Grad stole or for $10 if they already have one. @trinhvchristine photo-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Arlington Police confirm 1 injured in Cooper Street accident

A student received not life-threatening injuries after an accident Thursday at the intersection of South Cooper Street and Mitchell Street, according to the Arlington Police Department. Around 11:40 a.m., officers responded to the scene to investigate a reported auto-pedestrian collision, said Tim Ciesco, Arlington Police Department media relations coordinator, in an email. Officers on the scene determined that the driver, who drove a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, was in the eastbound lanes of Mitchell Street and attempted a right-hand turn onto South Cooper Street on a red light, Ciesco said. At the same time, a 26-year-old female attempted to cross without a “Walk” signal and was struck. The student was transported to an area hospital. The driver stopped at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, Ciesco said. No citations were issued. @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

National Medal of Honor Museum offers half off tickets for Arlington residents

A month after its opening, the National Medal of Honor Museum is offering a 50% discount exclusively for Arlington residents, available through July 4, to give visitors a chance to experience the stories of servicemembers who made sacrifices for their comrades and the country. The museum offers three types of tickets: general admission, premium and VIP tour. Each ticket showcases full interactive exhibits with additional benefits. General tickets start at $7.50 for general admission, offering only entry to the exhibition. Premium tickets start at $12.50 and also include a virtual reality experience. VIP tour tickets start at $20 and add an additional VIP guided tour to the VR and full exhibit showing. To receive the discount, residents must enter the promo code LOCAL25 when purchasing tickets online. The billing zip code on the payment method must be in Arlington, or it will be declined. Residents can also show a valid ID with their Arlington zip code at the museum. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Public parking is available near the museum, with free and paid lots available. Purchase tickets or view more information at mohmuseum.org. @_.lexlie_ news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Life Science Building renovations see progress, still set to finish 2027

The Life Science Building’s remodel and construction is making steady progress heading into the summer with various parts of the project complete, underway or planned, such as air conditioning installations, demolition and electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. Faculty and staff met to discuss the plan and updates for the project’s future during a Life Science Town Hall meeting Friday. The $180 million construction project began in 2023 with the goal of expanding and refurbishing the building, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. Additions to the location include labs, restrooms, student spaces and auditoriums. Toby Buhrkuhl, lead construction project manager, said in an email that 33% of the planned renovations have been completed, with the project still set to finish in 2027. This month, construction topped out the north side of the building with mechanical, electrical and plumbing work beginning overhead, Buhrkuhl said. On May 8, construction fencing will be relocated between University Hall and the Life Science Building. The sidewalk between the Life Sciences Building and University Center will also be closed off. Clayton Chambers, Hensel Phelps projects superintendent, said a new fire lane is also opening on the west side to temporarily provide access to the Life Science Building through the Science and Engineering Innovation and Research Building, with minor adjustments. Starting May 12, the building will have a south side entrance with a sidewalk north of the SEIR building down to the F10 parking lot, between the generator yard and the blue lunch tent, said Chambers. This weekend, mechanical equipment will be installed in the building. The procedure will require a roughly four-hour electrical shutdown to allow new overhead and mechanical piping, and mechanical equipment to recirculate the new water supplying the heating and cooling, Chambers said. “Everything there on level one goes away, and that all becomes clear, open walking space,” Chambers said.” Starting May 12, the building’s east wing will have its ceilings removed, and electrical upgrades will be installed on the first and second floors, Chambers said. On the second floor, the dean’s restroom will be remodeled and brought up to the Americans with Disabilities Act’s standards. Chambers said the third, fourth and fifth floors will undergo a similar process, with ceiling demolition, window removals, and electrical, mechanical and plumbing updates. The fourth floor renovations will remove some existing lab spaces and the current tiles to renovate flooring. In late May, structural frames are being installed across the roof, carrying three elevations worth of ducts, and the roof will receive four new air conditioning units over a series of weekends, Chambers said. Around the beginning of June, the building’s basement will receive new concrete infills and the labs will have repainted walls. Additionally, the first-floor ceilings will be demolished to create space, and bricks and windows on the north side will be removed. The plan for the next town hall meeting is to cover the fencing relocations in more detail. Chambers said having the meetings widens people’s perspective on the project. “We just need to make sure that we’re able to go complete the project that we’ve got in front of us, but at the same time, make sure that we’re taking care of the occupants and students and teachers that are using the building,” Chambers said. news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Rainy weather ahead with storms and flood risk this week

Dallas-Fort Worth residents can expect warm temperatures, daily rain and growing severe storm chances through a wet week. Monique Sellers, National Weather Service meteorologist, said storms will begin Monday afternoon, with stronger activity possible northwest of DFW. Rain and storm chances will increase midweek, with widespread storms and possible flooding by Wednesday and continued rain into the weekend. “We do pick up a lot of rain during this time of year,” she said. “Additionally, we do see a lot of opportunities for severe weather during our spring months.” Sellers said the average temperature throughout the week is expected to be in the low to mid 80s during the day, with lows in the 60s at night. @tay._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Sexual assault, theft of property and criminal mischief in this week’s crime log

This is a crime wrap-up from April 16 to 18. Theft of property On April 16, a female staff member reported the theft of a gift basket, UTA Police Capt. Mike McCord said in an email. Theft of property worth $100 to $750 is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail or both. The case is still active. Sexual assault On April 17, a female student reported to Title IX a sexual assault by a known associate, McCord said. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony punishable by a fine not exceeding $10,000, a jail sentence between two and 20 years or both. The case is still active. Reckless damage or destruction of property On April 17 and 18, two separate male students reported damages to their vehicles while parked, McCord said. Reckless damage or destruction of property is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. The April 17 case is still active. Criminal mischief On April 18, an officer investigated a report of broken glass on a vending machine, McCord said. Criminal mischief with under $100 in pecuniary loss is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $500. The case is still active. @PMalkomes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

College of Business launches 2 new degree programs for fall 2025

UTA is launching two new degree programs in fall 2025 under the College of Business, highlighting the hospitality industry and its leadership roles. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, which will focus on the specifics of the hospitality industry and the different careers it offers, including food and beverage, hotels, theme parks, gaming and casinos. Michael Nalley, hospitality management director and professor of practice, said while they’re similar degrees, the Bachelor of Business Administration is a “wider dive” into hospitality, requiring more courses. “From a global perspective, hospitality is the fastest growing industry, they predict, for the next 10 years,” Nalley said. “One out of every five jobs is being hired is in hospitality.” Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are more inclined to take time off and vacation at different hospitality venues, increasing the demand for management and leadership roles in those institutions globally. He said employers are looking for applicants with a critical understanding of the industry. The programs will give students the opportunity to receive hands-on experience and earn industry credentials before graduating, with scholarship and internship opportunities also available. The Bachelor of Business Administration program requires 120 credit hours with five core classes, 36 hours of hospitality electives and 300 working hours. The Bachelor of Science program requires 120 credit hours with nine core classes, 48 hours of hospitality electives and 500 working hours. There are 15 hospitality courses students can take: restaurant operations; lodging management; casino, gaming and club management; leadership in the hospitality industry; hospitality industry and finance analytics; and more. Nalley said only two classes will be available this fall — introduction to travel and tourism, and an introduction to hospitality management. Nalley said students can also double major with the Bachelor of Business Administration in hospitality if they’re majoring in real estate, marketing or entrepreneurship. “What we’re really trying to do is create a culture of hospitality through this program at UTA, so people really understand what all that encompasses and what the opportunities are,” he said. @amandaLaldridge news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

Arlington library to promote wellness through Community Care Fair

Arlington residents can attend the fourth annual Community Care Fair this Saturday at the East Library and Recreation Center. The free event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will host health, wellness and community organizations, including the mayor’s Arlington Wellness Coalition and the Alzheimer's Association. Library service manager Sharon Granado said the fair aims to bring key health and wellness resources into one space to make them more accessible for the community in English and Spanish. The fair will help residents connect with local services and empower them to take charge of their well-being, with vendors sharing information about gardening, counseling, dental care, healthy living and more. “There is the saying ‘You don't know what you don't know,’ so hosting these events gives people the knowledge of who is in our community and how they serve others,” said Amy Watterman, event organizer and community programming librarian. Watterman said this year the Tarrant County Public Health Department is hosting a new fitness-focused class, “Move and Groove.” The classes will introduce fun and practical ways to incorporate physical activity into daily routines. The class will be hosted in English at 10:30 a.m. and Spanish at 11:45 a.m. @samip.parajuli.54 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

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