R. David Edmunds, a historian and professor at UT-Dallas, will present Feb. 23 on “Tippecanoe: Tecumsah’s Turning Point.”  Edmund’s specializes in Native American-white relations in the 18th and 19th centuries. His talk will focus on the ramifications of the first battle in the War of 1812. The lecture will be held in the Library Auditorium and will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Christopher Miller, associate professor of history at 665-3561.

Entries are due Feb. 20 for the Meet Thomas L. Friedman Essay Contest. Currently enrolled UTPA students can win the chance to meet the New York Times columnist when he comes to the University Feb. 29 to speak as part of the Distinguished Speakers Series. Essays must be between 800 and 1,200 words and answer the question, “What are the implications of globalization in your area of study?” using knowledge of Friedman’s work. Both the essay and an entry form must be turned in Monday by 5 p.m. to studentunion@utpa.edu. An entry form can be found at www.utpa.edu/broncnotes/bulletin.cfm?ID=7379.

Students enrolled in a political science course have the option to receive credit in the Summer I study abroad program in Salamanca, Spain for POLS 2314 or POLS 4313.  Political science professor Gary Mounce said the program offered students an opportunity to experience something new, practice Castillian Spanish, and learn about the culture and history of the country.
“(Study abroad) makes one more confident,” he said. “In fact, it often changes your life.”
An application and a $125 non-refundable deposit are required by March 23. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit utpa.edu/oip or call 665-3572.

SGA Presidential Candidates  will debate about campus issues Feb. 23 at noon in the Student Union East patio. Voting will begin at midnight Feb. 24 through my.utpa.edu.