Students were able to put years of hard work and dedication to practice at the Guillermo Benavides Z College of Arts and Sciences fifth annual conference program held on March 29-30.
The conference was kicked-off by keynote speaker U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Saldana.
Saldana spoke to student participants about her journey from a poor migrant childhood to being sworn into the U.S. Justice System at the young age of 34.
Saldana focused her story on the importance of a college education.
“I want to make sure they understand how important it is for (students) to stay focused on getting their degrees, they will need it in life,” said Saldana.
Once the two-day conference was under way, dozens of students presented original work and research before their peers and a judge panel.
Topics ranged from math to the fine and performing arts to social sciences.
“There was a lot of variety in content and ideas, we had students talking about the Black Panthers and Malcolm X (for example)…they were all important and yet very unique topics, expanding beyond their horizons,” said Dr. Jenifer Lee, assistant professor of Criminal Justice and judge on the panel.
Student participants were given a time limit to present their work and then were given an opportunity to receive comments and/or answer questions from observers present. Faculty personnel moderated all presentations.
“For the most part (the student presentations) were very good, the conference is a good idea…it gives students an opportunity to present original work while providing the opportunity to become more confident in their capabilities,” said Lee.
Participants of the conference were able to gain experience of public speaking, among many other skills, through their presentations.
“Students that participate go above of what is required of them, they are setting themselves apart by showing leadership and initiative. All of these qualities are important to employers – these are exactly the type of people employers look for,” said Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Betty Momayezi of the students presenting.
Many spectators at the different events found themselves not only asking questions but also introducing different perspectives to add to the information being provided by the students.
“Students presenting were doing exactly what this university was created to support. They are questioning, conducting research about their questions and then presenting their findings; all are steps of the model for a civilized society. I am grateful for Dr. Momayezi and the College of Arts and Sciences for creating this venue and to Mr. Guillermo Benavides Z for creating the opportunity,” said University President Ray M. Keck, III.
The two-day conference also gave professors the opportunity to see just how students were able to put to work ideas and research methods learned in the classroom.
“We see the kind of ability students have in the classroom; too rarely do they get a chance to share what they learn – the conference gives them an opportunity to not only share their work but also see their peers’ work. It gives me great joy in helping to facilitate that opportunity for them,” said Dr. Kevin D. Lindberg, assistant professor of English.
Participation in the conference by both presenters and general members of the university community was the highest since its initiation five years ago.
“I was so impressed by the presentations. The panels were attended by dozens of people,” said Dr. Nasser Momayezi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
“We are looking into making it a regional conference and invite other South Texas schools; thanks to the sponsorship of Mr. Benavides Z this can be a reality,” added the dean.
In addition to presenting, participants were able to compete for several prizes including $300.00 best paper scholarship awards.
For senior Eileen Ramos Torrales, recipient of Best Student Paper, being able to present and take part in the panel reinforced her faith in herself and her degree choice.
“I walk away tonight from this awards ceremony with a great blessing. The honor that I received was the sign I’ve been praying for. I gained confidence and reassurance; a sign which points me further into the direction that I’m headed. I am a musician. This is what I do. So keep doing it.”
The winners included: James Cortez, Best Paper in Biology, Chemistry and Geology; Lola Norris, Best Student Paper in Literature; Mohsen K. Omar, Best Student Paper in Political Science; Roger Rodriguez, Best Graduate Student Paper in Psychology; Liliana Saldana; Best Student Paper in Criminal Justice; and Eileen Ramos Torrales, Best Student Paper in Visual and Performing Arts and best overall student paper.
The conference was made possible through the sponsorship of Guillermo Benavides Z.