February

Death on Campus

The body of an 18-year-old Edinburg North High School student was found stuffed under the staircase of the Science Building’s east stairwell Feb. 8. The UTPA community waited anxiously for updates as morning classes were cancelled. Although the autopsy report lists the cause of death as suicide, friends close to Brenda cast doubts on the cause of death. As a result of the incident, a door was installed on the east stairwell.

1,000 Points for J. Maree

Jared Maree becomes the 21st player in UTPA Bronc men’s basketball history to score at least 1,000 points during the 77-69 loss to Utah Valley Wolverines Feb. 2.

Baseball: First Winning Season in 12 Years

Ending their regular season with an overall record of 30-22, the Bronc baseball team clinched their first winning season in 12 years. The Broncs also claimed the number-two seed in the Great West Conference.

June

Deferred Action

DHS released a memo authorizing agents to use their discretion when prosecuting undocumented youth that would fall under the oft-debated, never passed DREAM Act, allowing many undocumented immigrants to apply for two-year work permits.
Ibañez Drafted to Astros

Mission native Angel Ibañez is selected by the Houston Astros with the first pick of the 28th round (849th overall) of the MLB Draft June 6. Three days later, Ibañez signs with the Houston Astros

July

Gangnam Style

A South Korean hit with a dance routine by Psy has swept the nation, appearing in places such as the American Music Awards, ESPN and Glee.
Art Annex

A new home for art students was completed in July at an off-campus location on Closner St. A shuttle is available to move students between the two buildings.

August

Chick-Fil-A Stays

UTPA President Robert Nelsen announced that the Chick-Fil-A restaurant in the Student Union would continue to be built over the summer amid controversy after Chick-Fil-A President Dan Cathy shared his negative views on same-sex marriage with the world.

Zouzalik Signed to Rangers

Recently-graduated right-handed pitcher Michael Zouzalik signs with the Texas Rangers after participating in an open tryout in Round Rock on Aug. 22.

New Board

The $250,000 Toshiba LED video board, funded by The Coca-Cola Company, was installed mid-August.

September

Kidnapping

A student was abducted at about 7 p.m. in parking lot T2 outside the Education Building Sept. 25 and returned to her family two days later. Three men were charged in connection with the kidnapping. The incident triggered a flurry of complaints about campus security, including inadequate lighting in some of the newer parking lots. Temporary lights were erected until more permanent fixtures were installed.

October

Crawling with Monsters

A play about a group of students prevented from performing by the drug cartel violence based on true events. It premiered Oct. 2 at UTPA.

Chumba Wins Again

Senior Judith Chumba won her 2nd consecutive title of Great West Conference Women’s Cross Country Champion and Runner of the Year after winning the 5K race at the GWC Championships, hosted by Chicago State Oct. 27.

South Texas Horror Con

For the first time in South Texas, local horror fans were able to attend a convention celebrating all things spooky, scary and gory. The Oct. 19 and 20 South Texas Horror Con event took place at the McAllen Convention Center.

Benny Benassi

World renown electronic DJ Benny Benassi made his first appearance in the Valley Oct. 20 as part of his Rough Road Bus tour.

 
Sam Williams Passes

“Father of Broncs Basketball,” UTPA Hall of Famer and men’s basketball head coach emeritus passed away Oct. 22 at the age of 88.

November

Elections

After the 2010 U.S. Cenus reported a growing population of Hispanics, the Hispanic and Latino vote became an integral part of President Obama’s reelection. UTPA student Rogelio Chanes attended the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., as a delegate while campus organizations worked to bring political figures to campus.The early voting location at the Student Union saw record numbers for a general election, with 4,328 ballots cast.

All-Time Bianca Torre

Harlingen-native Bianca Torre breaks the 10-year-old University women’s basketball program scoring record
Nov. 9 and the program record for career assists
Nov. 23.

Aaron Urbanus Scores 1000 Career Points

Senior guard Aaron Urbanus joins the 1,000 points club after shooting his first basket, a three-pointer, against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Nov. 24.